Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression among Inpatients with Substance Use Disorders in Drug Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi, Kenya

Audrey Onyango, PsyD Candidate; Michael Kihara, PhD., and Stella Nyagwencha, PhD., United States International University - Africa

Substance Use Disorders are patrimonial psychiatric disorders with global health concerns connected to many clinical correlations and mental health comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of depression in a sample of SUD patients. The study adopted a correlational design using the quantitative research method involving 178 participants, 91% male and 9% female, in drug rehabilitation centres in Nairobi, Kenya. The Self-Medication and Substance-Induced Enhancement theories guided the study. A researcher developed a socio-demographic questionnaire, and the BDI II were used to collect data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 23 (SPSS v. 23.0). Findings from the study established that 45.5% of the respondents had symptoms of depression. The study recommends a regular assessment of symptoms of depression among clients in inpatient and outpatient treatment centres for successful treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Substance Use Disorders, Symptoms of Depression, Prevalence, Drug Rehabilitation, Inpatient.