Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Alcoholism in Busia County, Kenya
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Date
2025-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Alcoholism, a silent yet pervasive menace, casts its shadow across communities worldwide, leaving behind
shattered lives and fractured families. Alcohol abuse stands as a significant social challenge confronting
contemporary society. Efforts to tackle alcoholism have primarily concentrated on addressing the underlying
factors contributing to alcohol addiction, from an external perspective that portrays alcoholics as passive
recipients. In Busia County, where informal brewing practices are common, the social fabric is deeply
intertwined with alcohol consumption, presenting complex dynamics that shape community norms and
behaviours. Despite efforts to implement alcohol control policies and raising awareness about the dangers
of excessive drinking, cultural acceptance and economic factors continue to perpetuate high rates of
alcoholism in these regions. An influx of production, distribution, promotion, and easy accessibility of
alcohol in addition to gradual change of values of society not only in Kenya but globally, has led to an
increasing rate of alcohol consumption among individuals. This study, therefore, oriented at examining the
socioeconomic factors affecting alcoholism among individuals as well as evaluating strategies in place to
combat alcoholism in Busia County, Kenya. The study was informed by Social Integration, Social Learning
theories and The Theory of Planned Behaviour. The independent variables included Cultural Practices, the
Social Environment, Childhood Trauma, Income Level, and Alcohol Control Policies while Alcoholism in
Busia County was the dependent variable. The study methodological approach was cross-sectional. The
research location was Busia County in Kenya. The inquiry population included 396,824 aged 19 years and
above residents of Busia County in Kenya. The Purposive, stratified, simple random and snowballing
sampling design was employed to choose study participants. The researcher determined a sample size of
400 responders using Slovin's formula. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Data
was gathered directly from a specific sample through the use of standardized questionnaires, and interviews.
The data was analysed through the use both inferential and descriptive methods, specifically employing
multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that Cultural Practices, Social Environment, Childhood
Trauma, and Income Level had a significant positive effect on alcoholism, but Alcohol Control Policies had
an inverse and significant effect on alcoholism in Busia County. To mitigate alcoholism in Busia County,
the study recommended the development of community-based programs addressing cultural norms, enhance
social support systems, implement trauma-informed care, and promote financial literacy. Additionally,
policy-level interventions should include stricter enforcement of alcohol control regulations, public
awareness campaigns, and alcohol education in schools.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of The Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, April 2025
Supervisors;
1.. Heather E Kipchumba