A Systematic Review on the effects of PTSD associated alcohol abuse on social economic status among youth living in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The deeply rooted issue of alcohol abuse in Kenya continues to negatively impact the well-being of the youth population. In a study conducted in 2018, an estimated 45–50% of alcohol-abusing youth in Kiambu County had post-traumatic stress disorder. The main purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize existing literature articles on the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-associated alcohol abuse in Kenya’s context. The review shows that PSTD related to alcohol abuse, though not well studied in Kenya, is a real challenge facing the youth. It affects their learning processes as well as their transition to colleges and other higher education institutions. Alcohol abuse also affects employment prospects for youth and leads to impoverishment. It also challenges the productivity and entrepreneurial capacities of these youth, leading to further impoverishment and reduced socioeconomic prospects. On the basis of these findings, it is pertinent to come up with psychosocial support mechanisms for alcohol abusers suffering from PSTD. The government should establish funding strategies for the rehabilitation of PSTD-affected youth. Also, government empowerment programs in Kenya should factor in mechanisms for ensuring that youth with PSTD-related alcohol abuse can access funding to enhance their socioeconomic status.