Addressing the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the Presbyterian churches in Kenya

This article sought to assess the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the Presbyterian churches (PCEA) and to investigate the success rate of the strategies used by the PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse among the youth. Three PCEA regions were selected using the multistage cluster sampling technique. A proportional sampling technique was used to get PCEA Presbytery moderators, church elders, Parish ministers and youth members. The youth who are abusing alcohol and drugs were identified through the snowball sampling technique. Purposive sampling was used to select the Youth Director. A descriptive survey research design was used to obtain qualitative data. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed qualitatively and presented in summary form using frequency tables and discussions. The study established that the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the PCEA are peer influence, curiosity and easy availability of alcohol and drugs. The strategies used by PCEA in addressing alcohol and drug abuse include seminars and workshops (56%), bible studies (31%), alcoholic forums (44%), youth camps and conferences (56%), rallies and crusades (43%), guidance and counselling programmes (45%), youth engagement in community work (71%) and having a drug education desk (30%). The study recommends that the Church should reassess the strategies with the aim of making them more effective. The youth should be involved in the management of the strategies.