Abstract:
Parent – Child communication is vital in the socialization and contribution in the child‘s
future behavior. Deliberate and intentional communication about drugs by the parents helps
model the choice of behavior in the family environment. However, there has been a rapid
increase in Kenya of the number of adolescents facing several consequences of substance
abuse such as academic challenges, health issues, poor relationships, and connection with the
juvenile justice system. One possible reason for this is inaccurate and inadequate
communication about drugs received during the formative years. The chief aim of this
research was to discover the impact of parent-child open communication about drugs for the
purposes of preventing substance abuse in future. The study was conducted at Mugoya phase
3 residential gated community within South C Estate, Nairobi County. It specifically aims at
finding answers to the research questions: What are the Family Communications patterns
used by the parents within the family environment for creation of awareness and early
prevention of substance abuse among preteens in future? What challenges are parents facing
communicating to the preteens about substance abuse with the intention to influence them to
embrace a drug-free lifestyle? How is the parent‘s understanding on the importance of
communication in relation to substance abuse and its impact on the child‘s future behavior?
How will the findings of this study influence parents as the child‘s primary educators to
impact positive future behavior of the child through family communication? The study was
guided by Family communication patterns theory which is a social cognitive methodology
that proposes that communication is both cognitive and interpersonal. The study employed a
mixed method design that utilized the explanatory sequential approach. There were 11
residential gated communities within south C estate. The study purposely focused on the
Mugoya phase 3 gated community. The targeted population for the study was 118 parents
and preteens. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, a sample size of 81
was selected. Data collection instruments were questionnaires which were administered to
62 respondents and two focus group discussions held with 19 preteen children. Quantitative
data was analyzed using excel data analysis tools and employed frequencies and percentages
while qualitative data was analyzed by use of thematic analysis and reported in texts.
Analyzed data was expressed in tables, pie charts and graphs. Statistically, respondents have
communication patterns they currently use, Open discussions, honest answers, deliberate
nonverbal exposure to real life negative impact of substance abuse, close monitoring of
movement, and interactions. Importance of communication is fully understood with preteens
feeling appreciated, responsible and enhanced decision-making ability. Several challenges
are faced such as, limited family time, constant alcohol adverts in the media, peer pressure
and age of the preteens was also a factor. In conclusion, intentional and deliberate open
communication about drugs within the family has a greater impact on positive decision-
making abilities and behavior on the preteens once they leave the family environment,
continuous communication creates substance abuse awareness, room for future consultations
and guidance between children and parents. Grounded on the outcomes the study
commended that parents embrace free and open conversation within their families.