Parent-child communication for early prevention of substance abuse in Kenya: a case of South C estate, Nairobi County Muchiri

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.