Let’s Reverse the Worrying Trend of Female Drug Use In Kenyan Universities

By Simon Mwangi

The latest NACADA survey, titled “Status of Drugs and Substance Use among University Students in Kenya, 2024,” reveals a concerning trend of increasing drug use among female university students.

The study indicates that while male students have a higher prevalence of severe Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) at 10.5 per cent, female students are not far behind, with 6.5 per cent experiencing severe AUDs.

These findings suggest a growing vulnerability among female students to both substance abuse and associated mental health challenges, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address this escalating issue.

The increasing trend of female drug use globally, including in Africa and Kenya, is influenced by a combination of social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors.

Research at the global level has shown that changing gender roles and increased stress levels among women are among the greatest contributors to the upward drug use trajectory among them.

It has been discovered that as women take on more responsibilities in both professional and domestic spheres, stress levels have risen, leading some to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Increased exposure to high-pressure environments, such as workplaces, has contributed to substance use.

Additionally, the survey highlights that female students exhibit higher rates of moderately severe (6.4 per cent) and severe depressive disorders (4.1per cent) compared to their male counterparts, who stand at 5.2 per cent and 3.0 per cent respectively.

There is also the issue of accessibility which has been brought about by globalization and the expansion of drug markets making drugs more accessible to women. This is further buttressed by the rise of prescription drug misuse, for example painkillers and sedatives, has disproportionately affected women, who are more likely to be prescribed such medications.

One of the key issues highlighted in the survey is the proximity of these learning institutions to social and entertainment places such as canteens and bars. Universities in urban areas, such as Kenya’s capital Nairobi, often have easy access to drugs due to their proximity to drug markets.

Couple this with the fact that these institutions of higher learning are often spaces where students are exposed to new experiences, including drug use. Female students may feel pressured to fit in or conform to social norms within their peer groups.

It cannot also be forgotten that with the proliferation of the internet as well as social media use among young people, the glamorization of drug use has grown in leaps and bounds. It has been observed over time that marketers of alcoholic beverages for instance have perfected the art of feminizing their products and through alluring marketing strategies come up with persuasive campaigns aimed at increasing their sales among young women. The ripple effect is that we end up with a growing trend of female users and ultimately dependence.

While the same can be said of their male counterparts, female students may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression related to academic pressures, family expectations, or financial struggles. However, it is also important to note that in many African societies, mental health issues are stigmatized, leading women to self-medicate with drugs rather than seek professional help.

It is evident that Kenya’s evolving cultural landscape, with more women entering higher education and the workforce, has created new challenges, including increased exposure to drug use. This does not however invalidate the fact that there needs to be a conversation around the levels of drug and substance use among young women.

Generally, drug use exacerbates mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. It can also lead to self-harm or suicidal tendencies. Female drug users may face complications such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, and high-risk pregnancies. Substance use during pregnancy can also harm the fetus, leading to birth defects or developmental issues.

Whichever way it is looked at, drug and substance use remain a thorn in the flesh for all gender only that it is more detrimental to women. And with the increasing levels of use which translate to higher dependence levels and eventually rehabilitation, then we could be staring at a crisis of monumental proportions.

Universities, just like any other learning areas, are supposed to and should be safe spaces free from alcohol and drug abuse. Students, whether male or female should not be exposed to the dangers associated with alcohol and drug use considering that the effects are disastrous to their studies and future.

The writer is the Manager, Corporate Communications National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drugs Abuse (NACADA).