PREVALENCE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES) AMONG INDIVIDUALS RE-ADMITTED IN REHABILITATION CENTERS IN NAIROBI AND KIAMBU COUNTIES, KENYA

Abstract

In Kenya, problematic alcohol use contributes to adverse consequences to individual Chronic childhood stress impairs their cognitive functioning, The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of ACEs among individuals re-admitted in rehabilitation centers in Nairobi and Kiambu counties The study adopted a descriptive correlational research design, and utilized a mixed method approach of data collection, generating both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 100 participants drawn from rehabilitation centers in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties. Purposive, and census methods were used. Data was collected using socio demographic questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test (AUDIT), and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.25.  The study findings revealed that the respondents experienced ACE’s where the highest number of participants reported community violence (81.9%), emotional abuse (66.7%, p = .82), living in a household where a member was treated violently (63.9%, p = .20), and being bullied (63.9, p = .24). The link between ACEs and the age of drinking onset could increase the risk alcohol dependence, including relapse, in adulthood.   The study recommends that programs targeting underage drinking prevention should integrate ACE screening and coping interventions to reduce relapse risk.