Factors associated with the use of codeine- containing drugs among youth in Mandera County, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: Drug and substance use is a long-standing global problem affecting the developed, low and middle-income countries. In Kenya, it disproportionately impacts the youth, who form the most productive segment of the population. The issue has drawn attention from national and county governments, as well as religious leaders, political actors and non-governmental organizations working to raise awareness about the dangers and long term consequences of drug and substance use. The non- therapeutic use of Codeine containing drugs, a medication used to treat pain, cough and diarrhoea has been on the rise. In Mandera, mixing of codeine containing cough syrups with soft drinks during miraa-chewing sessions is believed to be common among the youth; however, formal data on prevalence, types of codeine used and associated social-behavioural and cultural factors has been lacking. Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate factors associated with use of codeine containing drugs among youth in Mandera. The specific objectives were to establish the prevalence of codeine-containing drugs’ use and to identify the social- behavioural, demographic and economic factors associated with use of codeine containg drugs among the youth in Mandera county. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mandera East among 405 youths aged 18-35 years. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS version 23 to generate descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential results on associations between variables. Results: Overall, 65.4 % of respondents had chewed Miraa. The prevalence of codeine-containing drugs use ranged from 7.1% for Bronkof Syrup (least used) to 16.6% for Betapyn (most used). Key factors significantly associated with codeine containing drug use included peer influence, unemployment, low income, low educational attainment, weak or absent parental guidance and gender, with male more likely to use these drugs. Conclusion: The use of tcodeine-containing drugs among youth in Mandera County is influenced by a combination of socio-economic, behavioral and demographic factors. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce access and misuse. Recommendations: The study recommends that the national drug regulatory authority strengthen control over the production, importation, distribution and sale codeine-containing medicines, with specific attention to unregulated outlets such as Miraa vendors, drug peddlers, kiosks, bars and cigarette stands. Additionally, youth engagement in productive activities including employment, sports and social or economic programs. This should be prioritized to reduce vulnerability to drug misuse.