Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110630

Victor O. Unuajefe, BEd(BS) PHE, Gambia Methodist Academy, Bakau, Banjul. West Africa., Rabbi Payless, Farmers Market, 1309 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-246-3824, vjefe@yahoo.com

Step One Introduction: This assessment study was undertaken by the Government of Kenya and the United Nations International Drug Control Program(UNDCP). This study revealed that drug abuse has permeated all strata of Kenyan society, youth and young adults being the most affected group.

Step Two: The following issues would be examined:

i. List of commonly abused drugs. A table showing the drugs and the number of abusers for each drug by region would be presented.

ii.Incidence/Responses of drug abuse: A table showing the sampling of 383 males + 30 females for each drug would be presented.

iii.Gender and age of abusers: A table showing the breakdown of drug abusers by age would be presented.

iv.Why drugs are abused: A table showing the aetiology of drug abuse would be presented.

v.How drugs are abused.

Step 3: Preventive and treatment measures for drug abuse in Kenya.

i. Counselling seems to be offered by most people dealing with drug abusers.

ii.Many respondents contended that preventive drug education might serve to remedy the lack of knowledge about drugs.

iii.Guidance, counselling and education on dangers of drugs should start from the primary level onwards and should form integral part of the regular school curriculum.

iv.Establishment of National Rehabilitation centers independent of psychiatric hospitals.

v.Public Enlightenment:Messages should focus on promoting awareness that drugs are dangerous do not enhance personal well being and self-esteem.

vi.Non-governmental organizations must be identified and must be well placed to undertake activities aimed at reducing the demand for drugs.

Learning Objectives:

• The participants would be well informed on the list of commonly abused drugs in Kenya,the reasons for drug abuse and how drugs are abused.
• The participants would be well educated on the preventive and treatment measures for drug abuse in Kenya. Participants would be enlightened on the guidance and counselling measures utilized for the treatment of drug abuse.
• Participants would be able to create a forum for discussion on the reasons why drugs are abused in Kenya and how drugs are abused.
• Participants would be able to list the commonly abused drugs in Kenya.
• Participants would be able to identify the role of preventive drug education and describe the counselling measures.

Keywords: Advocacy,

Related Web page: www.unodc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.