Alcohol and Substance Use Harm Reduction Through Prevention and Advocacy: A Child-To-Child Based Approach

Abstract

According to Blue Cross Kenya (BCK) project’s theory of change, a comprehensive prevention approach can produce  mutually reinforcing effect to reduce risk factors and enhance protection factors related to substance use and mental  health. The three main areas are: 1) Influencing leaders and authorities on policy issues regarding alcohol and mental  health. 2) Life-skills education through 30 school clubs and 4 youth centers, with about 2,000 participants. Life skills include processes that contribute positively in the development of children and young people and thus also give them  resources to withstand challenges in life. Parents and teachers also receive guidance to strengthen protection factors. 3)  Mobilization of children and young people, parents, communities, and other organizations. The purpose of this study  conducted on 13 October 2022, was to assess the impact, significance and effectiveness of using a comprehensive Child- To-Child Approach in prevention and advocacy. The study targeted children and young people aged 10–22 in lower  primary school and secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study adopted a mixed method and exploratory approach  involving use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection. A total of 360 children were sampled from  24 clubs. 240 parents linked with the same clubs were also sampled. Majority of the parents mentioned that their children were able to manage their emotions better (72.1%); were more confident (76.7%) and made better life choices  (79.5%). On effectiveness, the study established that a majority of the expected results (81%) were achieved making the  project highly effective. Concerning impact, almost all parents (95.6%) reported that there were changes from the life  skills training and 95.2% of them said they experienced positive changes. The study recommended implementation of a similar approach in alcohol prevention and eradication in the non-project schools and the surrounding communities in  the country.