Psychosocial Burden among Close Family Members of Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder in Inpatient Treatment Centers Kiambu County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Njango, Githae, Eunice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Serek
Abstract
Close family members of individuals suffering alcohol use disorder (AUD) have reported elevated levels of negative
emotions and poor psychological wellbeing. They are at a greater risk for psychosocial distress characterized by
depression, stress and anxiety. This study examined the impact of the burden of living with an individual suffering
alcohol use disorder. The Family Systems Theory informed the present study in helping conceptualize the associations
among variables under investigation and their interrelationships within the family context. A descriptive crosssectional study was used to determine the burden of AUD on the close relatives and to identify the level of psychosocial
distress they experienced while living with the patient. Non-probability purposive sampling was done to identify n=138
close relatives of individuals suffering AUD admitted in residential rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County, Kenya.
Perceptions of AUD severity, psychological distress, psychological burden, and general health were assessed. The
study revealed that more than half of relatives of individuals suffering AUDs experienced reduced general health and
severe to moderate level of psychosocial and burden. There was statistical significance between the level of
psychosocial burden (p=0.03<0.05) and distress (p=0.048<0.05) among close relatives and living with a patient with
AUD. Some of socio-demographic characteristics of the relatives such as gender, level of education, marital status
and economic status yielded a statistical significance with psychosocial distress (p=0.000<0.01) and burden
(p=0.001<0.05). The study recommends provision of psychosocial family support for families with individuals
suffering alcohol use disorders and development of outreach programs to psycho-educate communities.
Description
A Research Article in The Cradle of Knowledge: African Journal of Educational and Social Science Research
Keywords
Psychosocial distress, Psychosocial burden, Close family members, Alcohol use disorder
Citation
Githae, E. N. (2019). Psychosocial Burden among Close Family Members of Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder in Inpatient Treatment Centers Kiambu County, Kenya. The Cradle of Knowledge: African Journal of Educational and Social Science Research, 7(2), 60-65.