Effects of Parental Problematic Alcohol Use on Teenagers’ Psychosocial Well-Being: A Case of Selected Schools In Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally 237 million men and 46 million women have alcohol use problems, representing 5.1% of adults living with alcohol use disorders. In Kenya, excess alcohol use affects individuals between 15-65+ years, with alcohol use problems rated at 12.2%. However, limited research exists on how parental problematic alcohol use specifically affects teenagers' psychosocial well-being in rural Kenyan communities, creating a critical knowledge gap for developing effective interventions. Parental problematic alcohol use has significant repercussions on the psychosocial well-being of teenagers. Thus, the study investigated the effects of parental problematic alcohol use on the psychosocial well-being of teenagers in Kenya, specifically in Kirinyaga County. The objectives were to establish the prevalence of teenagers with parents who engage in problematic alcohol use, assess their psychosocial well-being, and explore their coping mechanisms. The study was grounded in psychoanalytic social theory, psychosocial development theory and social learning theory, employing descriptive research design with mixed methods. Data was collected using the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST-6), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and key informant interviews. The study found that 45.96% of teenagers were affected by parental problematic alcohol use, with male teenagers (53.3%) reporting significantly higher exposure than females (39.6%). Assessment of psychosocial well-being revealed gendered vulnerabilities, with girls exhibiting more emotional distress and social withdrawal, while boys showed more conduct-related issues, though 80.3% of all respondents maintained normal prosocial behavior. Despite the challenges, a large majority (70.8%) maintained normal prosocial functioning demonstrating good coping strengths. The study used chi-square tests to test the hypothesis showing a strong association between parental problematic alcohol use and the psychosocial wellbeing of teenagers. The study concludes that parental problematic alcohol use significantly affects teenagers' psychosocial well-being in Kirinyaga County, though many demonstrate remarkable resilience through prosocial behaviors. Recommendations include implementing systematic screening in schools to identify affected students, developing coordinated support programs through churches and community organizations, strengthening alcohol regulation enforcement, and expanding treatment options for parents with alcohol problems. The study also suggests further research on long-term outcomes for affected teenagers and the effectiveness of specific interventions.