Factors Associated with Substance Abuse by Students in Medical Training Colleges in South Nyanza Region, Kenya

Substance abuse is a worldwide public health challenge with college youth being among those affected. An estimated 10-15 % of students in medical training institutions risk substance abuse in their lifetime as they are not immune to the predisposing factors associated with the abuse. The conduct and efficiency of medical training college (MTC) students as future healthcare professionals may be impacted negatively by substance abuse; consequently, the patients are at risk. In Kenya, substance abuse is prevalent among college youth though data on the factors associated substance abuse by students in MTCs are still unclear. South Nyanza, the study area lies within marijuana transit route along Kisii - Migori road from Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya. Objective: To determine the factors associated with substance abuse by students in MTCs in South Nyanza Region. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting: Five colleges in the region namely: Kendu School of Health Sciences and KMTCs (Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay) were included in the study. Subjects: A sample of 303 MTC students, proportionately calculated from a total population of 1950 students from the 5 colleges participated in the study. Results: Females were less likely to use any of the substances compared to the males, [43.1% vs 62%]. The respondents who attended religious activities several times a week were also less likely to abuse any of the substances compared to those who have never attended religious activities [36.6% vs 72%]. Respondents who perceived high stress were 3.64 times more likely to drink alcohol compared with those who perceived no stress, [OR=3.64, CI=1.03-12.87, P=0.045]. Respondents participating in choir were also less likely to use alcoholic drinks compared with those who participated in sporting activities, [10% vs 33.7%]. Conclusions: Being male, and having stress were the main risk factors for substance abuse while engaging in religious activities and choir were the least associated with substance abuse. It is suggested that promoting participation in religious activities and extracurricular activities such as choir by students of MTCs could reduce the risk of substance abuse.