Predictors of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Substance Use Disorder in Kiambu County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2024-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Cognitive impairments induced by substance
use contribute to poorer treatment outcomes
among patients with substance use disorder
(SUD). Neuropsychological assessments
are often neglected during patient evaluation
in SUD treatment programs owing to the
fact that they require extensive time for
evaluation and are resource intensive.
This inattention is likely to compromise
comprehensive treatments which would offer
better prognosis for such patients undergoing
treatment for SUD. The main objective of
this study was to determine predictors of
neuro cognitive disorders (NCD) in patients
with substance use disorders enrolled in
rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County,
Kenya. A cross-sectional design was adopted
and data collected between Oct-23 to Jan
2024, covering a total of 250 patients aged
18-65 years that consented to participate
in the study. Consecutive non-probability
sampling technique was deployed in the
recruitment of the respondents into the study.
A self-rated questionnaire was developed
for data collection whereas the Montreal
Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Tool was
employed in the screening for cognitive
impairment. The prevalence of cognitive
impairment was 34.8% (Prevalence per
primary substance showed alcohol=37%,
cannabis=22%, and khat=22%). Age
(Coefficient=0.0852, P=0.013 CI= 0.018-
0.152), education (Coefficient=0.0783,
P<0.008 CI= 0.021-0.139), and anxiety
disorder (Coefficient=0.4286, P<0.001 CI=
0.317-0.540) were found to be significantly
associated with neurocognitive disorders
at multivariate analysis. This shows that
it is important to screen for cognitive
impairments during early treatment stages
considering the high prevalence rate. This
will enhance the choice of treatment course
and maximize on treatment outcomes
Description
Keywords
Citation
Mwihaki, L., Mwanzo, I., & Githae, E. (2024). Predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with substance use disorder in Kiambu County, Kenya. African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 11(1), 53-64.