9. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Survey

8/8/2019 9. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Survey

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TOWN COUNCIL OF

KARURI

REPORT ON:

EMPLOYEE ALCOHOL, DRUG ANDSUBSTANCE ABUSE BASELINE SURVEY

By:Pivot Strategic Management ConsultantsP.O BOX 2292-00200Nairobi

JUNE 20101


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

DEFINITION OF TERMS 3

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

SECTION 2: SURVEY RESULTS 5

GENERAL COMMENTS9

SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSION10

Appendix I: Signs of substance and drug abuse 12

Appendix II: Questionnaire used for Survey 13

Town Council of Alcohol and Drug abuse Survey-June 2010 2


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DEFINATION OF TERMSAlcoholAlcohol means any beverage that contains ethyl alcohol(ethanol).Alcohol is a sedativehypnoticdrug obtained by fermentation of carbohydrates using yeast. The active form of alcohol is ethylalcoholorv ethanol and is sold in many brands. E.g beer, wine, whisky, changaa, busaa,muratina and mnazi.

DRUGA drug is any chemical which if taken into the body can affect one or more of the bodys

functions. This includes those substances that are useful to the body and those that harm thebody. Some are licit drugs i.e. their sale does not violate the law while others are illicit i.e. their possession, sale or purchase is prohibited by law.

Drug UseThis refers to the use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate uses of legal drugs. Commonlyabused drugs include alcohol, bhang tobacco and miraa.

TobaccoIts a legal cash crop and is grown in some parts of Kenya. Tobacco is usually consumed inform of cigarettes or cigar. Apart from being smoked its also sniffed or chewed. Nicotine is thesubstance found in tobacco that makes its addictive. Its now known that smoking affects thelungs, increases blood pressure, causes cancer infection, reduces sexual libido, can causeinfertility leading to impotence and causes indigestion. It generally affects the quantity andquality of life to the users and the people around them.

Bhang(Cannabis Sativa)Its a wild plant that grows throughout most of the tropical and temperate regions of the worldincluding Kenya. There are drugs that come from this cannabis plant as discussed herebelow:-

Marijuana-BhangIts green, brown or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves stems seeds and flowers. Themixture is usually smoked as a cigarette or in a pipe or bong. Its an illegal drug and its activeingredient is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

HashishHashish or hash consists of the THC-rich resinous material of the cannabis plant which iscollected, dried and then compressed into a variety of forms such as balls, cakes or cookieslike sweets. Pieces are then broken down, placed in pipes and smoked.

Hashish oilThis is produced by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant with a solvent. Thecolour and odour of the resulting extract varies according to the type of solvent used.

Miraa (Khat)Its a natuarally ocuring stimulant delived from the Catha edulis shrub.its legal and an important cashcrop in some parts of Meru, Embu, Mbeere and Nyambene districts in Kenya.

CocaineIts a white crystalline, alkaloid illegal stimulant /substance that act as a local anesthetic. There are twotypes of cocaine (i) white crystalline powder and (ii) crack or rock cocaine. Powder cocaine is generallysnorted or dissolved in water and injected. Crack cocaine is usually smoked.

Heroine

Its a semi-synthetic derivative produced by the chemical modification of morphine. Pure heroine is awhite powder with a bitter taste. Most illicit heroine varies in colour from white, dark brown to dark. Itssmoked, injected or snorted.



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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The aim of this survey was to investigate the current status of alcohol, drug and substance useamong the staff of the Town Council of Karuri and how this affects staff performance and deliveryof services to the residents of Karuri.The information collected by the survey is expected to provide a basis for formulating policies andinterventions for control of alcohol and substance abuse among the Council employees.

Objectives.As spelt out in the Councils Performance Contract, the main objective of this survey was to assessthe nature and magnitude of alcohol andsubstance abuse among the employees of the TownCouncil of Karuri. Specifically, the survey sought to:

Establish the awareness level of alcohol and substance abuse among the Councilstaff

Identify the types and quantities of alcohol, drugs and substances abuse Establish contributing factors causing initial alcohol and substance abuse among

staff Identify specific problems faced by those staff abusing alcohol and drugs Recommend initiatives that the Council can implement in order to fight alcohol and

drug abuse among her staff In summary our findings indicate that: There is alcohol/drugs use/substance abuse among the staff members of the council The alcohol/drugs use/abuse affects efficiency and work performance of some members of

staff and quality of the services rendered by the council The alcohol/drugs use/abuse may be having adverse effects on There is a fair awareness on the negative effects of alcohols/drugs by the Council

employees

Survey MethodologyThe study utilized primary data collection methods to gather data/information for analysis. In this

case, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used.The field data was collectedusing structured questionnaires administered by well-trained research assistants who guided therespondents in filing in the questionnaires.

Sample SizeThe survey targeted all the staff of the Town Council of Karuri However, as it was not possible tointerview each and every member of staff, a sample of 35 members of staff were interviewedrepresenting 64% of the total Council establishment located in the Town Council of Karuriheadquarters includingthe revenue office at banana.

Target Group

The respondents comprised of 11 male and 24 female staff members. 28 of them were marriedwhile7 were single. Most of the respondents were of Christian descent totaling to 25 while 10 saidthey dont go to church. 78% of the respondents interviewed were in the age group of 25-40 years,while only 22% were above 40 years.

Those interviewed came from the various sections in the Council ranging from markets,enforcement, revenue, works, bus-park, accounts, community and administration.

Questionnaire

A tentative questionnaire was developed by the consultant based on the issues to be investigatedin the survey. The aim was to obtain feedback from the representative sample of the Council

employees in regard to the variables being investigated.In designing the questionnaire, the following factors were considered:

That it be easy to read and understand



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That it be concise and easy to complete

SURVEY RESULTS

2.0 ALCOHOL/DRUGS AWARENESS

This survey sought to establish the current awareness status on types of alcohols/drugs andthe effects of their use/abuse.

The results were as follows:

2.1 Types of alcohol/drugsFrom the results of the survey, the workersshowed a relatively good awareness of availablealcohol/drugs. Out of 35 respondents, 28 (80%) were aware of more than seven types of alcohol and/or drugs, while 7 (20%) knew of more than three types.The following drugs werementioned

Bottled beer like tusker Changaa Bhang Spirits Wine Kane Local beer like muratina Cigarettes Miraa Drugs like cocine

2.1.1 Signs of alcohol and drug abuse on individual members of staff in the Council

More than 85% of members of staff interviewed said they are aware of their colleagues whoabuse alcohol/ drugs in the Council and said its manifested in the following ways:-

Coming in the office with hangovers Poor health conditions Coming to work late Bad mouth/ body odour Untidiness Unexplained absenteeism from the office Being unfriendly and cruel Underperformance and being irresponsible

2.1.2 General effects ofalcohol/drugsThe survey also indicated a fair awareness of effects of alcohol/drugs use. 24(68%)respondents are aware of more than 15 effects, 7 respondents knew more than five effectswhile fourrespondents (11.4%) in the age bracket of between 27-36 years who take alcoholresponded that they are not aware of any effects. From the survey, womenwere more awareof the effects thantheir male counterparts.Incidentally males are more affected than their female colleagues. The staff gave the following as the effects of alcohol and drug abuse in theCouncil:-

1. Lack of commitment at work8. Low self esteem2. Irresponsible 9. Involuntary shaking of hands3.Loneliness 10. Misappropriation of revenue4.Lack of respect 11. Family negligence, abuse and rejection



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5.Lack of personal improvement12. Sneaking and absenteeism from work6.Low libido 13. Poor health7.Stress and depression14Untidiness

15.Caress sexual activity leading to HIV/AIDS 20.Disorganised personality16.Poor concentration 21. Dishonesty and use of abusive language17.Financial crisis as one is always broke 22. Poor memory18.Loss of appetite 23. Death19.Can lead to divorce

Overall, 15% of the respondents said the consumption of alcohol and drugs has worsenedtheir sexual performance and marriage life.

2.2 Prevalence RateThe survey sort to establish the prevalence and frequency of consumption of alcohol/drugsamong the Council employeesand out of the 35 respondents, 42% indicated that they do notuse any alcohol/drugs, while 58% responded that they use alcohol/drugs. Those who usealcohol/drugs indicated that they have used them for a period ranging from two years to over 25 years.

From the analysis,the council staff uses beer, traditional brews, wine and spirits, miraachangaa, cigarettes, kumikumi, Kane,heroine, bhang and cocaine. Beer and spirits arethemost commonly used with a representation of 82%.

The popularity of various drugs/alcohol is as follows:

2.2.1 FrequencyOf those who take alcohol/drugs, 14% responded that they use drugs/alcoholafter office hourswhile 72% saidon weekends and 8% during the day. Only 6% consume alcohol/ drugsoccasionally. Those who use alcohol and drugs after work and on a daily basis are mostlythose from the Bus Park and markets.

2.3 Factors that explain alcohol and drug abuse

According to the analysis, the workers attributed their engagement to the use of alcohol anddrugs due to several reasons as explained below.Town Council of Alcohol and Drug abuse Survey-June 2010 6

Alcohol/drugs popularity

52%

14%

10%

5%

8%

8% 3%

Beer/keg

Kane

Wine and Spirits

Chang'aa

Cigarettes

Bhang

Cocaine

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Weekends After work Occasionally

Frequency

Frequency of alcohol/drugs use

During the day


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Reasons for engaging in alcohol/drugs use

From the survey 58% of members of staff stated they started using alcohol and drugsdue tosocial reasons and peer pressurewhile 28%said was due to work and family crisis.10% said it

was due to personal problems and work stress while the rest comprising of 4% of thoseinterviewed said it was due to loneliness and to feel cool.

2.3.1 Breaks in use of alcohol/drugsFrom the survey 36% of the respondents had at one time or another stopped usingalcohol/drugs for a period raging from three months to two years.The reasons given for takinga break ranges from own volition to health complications as follows:

2.3.2 Reasons for resuming alcohol/drugs use

From the survey, 13% of those interviewed said they resumed taking alcohol/drugs after stopping for some time.Most said their main reason for this was due to peer pressure with arepresentation of 56%. Other reasons were given as below:

2.3.3 Addiction StatusThe survey found out that 70% would wish to stop using alcohol/drugs while 23% respondentsstated that they would not wish to stop as they feel addicted and relaxes their mind.For those willing to stop the use of alcohol and drugs, 60% said the Council should consider introducing counseling services to them while 7% requested for spiritual guidance. The rest

comprising of 33% said they are willing to join a support group to help them stop theconsumption of alcohol and drugs.

2.4 Self Implications of alcohol and drug abuseTown Council of Alcohol and Drug abuse Survey-June 2010 7

Reason for taking a breakfrom alcohol/drugs

use

40%

32%

14%

9%

5%

Own Volition

HealthComplicationsLack of moneymoney

Due tosalvation

Rehabilitation

Reasons for resuming consumption

5

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Peer pressure Loneliness To socialize Stress

%


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For the purposes of this survey, the respondents were to state the effects of consumption of alcohol/drugs on their financial status, work performance, their sexuality, health, social life andif married, their marriage life. For each of these areas they were to state if there wasimprovement, worsening or no effect. The results were as follows:

Effects Noresponde

d

Improved Not Improved

Worsened

% % %

Financial status 23 0% 85% 15%

Work performance 18 0% 48% 52%Sexuality 26 2% 60% 38%Health 12 0% 44% 56%Social life 30 0% 58% 42%Marriage (if married) 19 0% 12% 82%

From the analysis, the effects of consumption of alcohol/drugs on individual staff members

can be explained using the following chart:


Individual effects of alcohol/drug use

2%

50%

48%Improvement

Worse off

No change


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GENERAL COMMENTS

However, regarding the causes of alcohol in the Council the staff gave the following reasonsasthe probable causes of abuse of alcohol and drugs among the employees of the TownCouncil of Karuri:-

Frustrations in the field Culture and traditions Availability of cheap liquor Peer pressure To release stress Family problems Poverty Low salaries Idleness Its like a habit to some staff

Among those interviewed, 70% agreed that the consumption of alcohol/ drugs affects staff

work performance and subsequently the quality of Council service to its customers. Theygave the following reasons:-

Absenteeism from duty Poor performance of duties Corruption through taking of bribes to get money for beer Lack of courtesy Wastage of time Rudeness Lack of adherence to work ethics Disobedience Poor interpersonal relationships with clients and colleagues Lateness at work

From the above, the employees came up with the following suggestions on what the Councilshould do in order to mitigate against the abuse and consumption of alcohol and drugs amongthe Council workers

Regular sensitization of staff on the effects of alcohol and drug abuse Constitution of a committee to counsel and monitor drug and substance abuse Close supervision of field staff Provision of Counseling services to those affected-(Counseling units) Creation of peer support groups within the staff fraternity Holding of regular seminars on alcohol and drug abuse including use of videos Provision of extra-curriculum activities like darts, pool etc Use of role model employees Deduction of salaries from those who abscond duty due to drunkenness Appreciating and motivating deserving staff members Development of an alcohol and drug policy for the Council Inclusion of the policy in the Councils staff code of conduct

Creation of a Council rehabilitation centre



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RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

3.0 RECOMMENDATIONSThe staff gave a wide of recommendations that would help curb the abuse of alcohol anddrugs among the Council employees. Based on the results of this, the following are our recommendations:

1. The Town Council of Karurishould develop a work place alcohol and drugs abuse policy

as a commitment to ensure: There is a safe and healthy workforce within the Council Employees are working in an environment free from alcohol and drug use/abuse There is a procedure of dealing with alcohol and drug use/abuse in the Council There is an opportunity for staff with alcohol and drug use/abuse problem to get

well rather than provide the grounds for the council to terminatetheiremployment.

2. It should be a requirement that staff working at the council should be sober whilereporting on duty so that they are able to perform assigned duties safely and efficientlywithout any limitations.This should be enforced in the Councils code of conduct.

3. Form a support group for those staff abusing alcohol and drugs within the Councilestablishment.

4. Those employees who go or drink during office hoursnegatively affects delivery of services and safety of other staff.

5. The council should prohibit use of, sale, purchase, offer to purchase or sell, distribution,consumption or possession of alcohol/drugs within the workplace. This should beenforced in the code of ethics and HR policy.

6. The council should recognize the fact that a certain population of the staff will developdiseases of chemical dependence, usually characterized notably by denial from thosesuffering from it, and that dependency on alcohol and/or drugs can be successfullytreated. The council should encourage the staff members who suspect they have asubstance dependency or emerging alcohol/drug problem to seek advice and followappropriate treatment promptly.

7. The heads of departments and sections should be responsible for identifying a situationin which they have concerns about an individuals immediate ability to perform their joband take appropriate steps.

8. Counseling is urgently required and therefore the Council should form a cancelling unitas a section in the social services department.

9. The Council should engage the services of a professional counselor or institution atleast to offer specialist help and advice. This can be in a form of training or focus groupdiscussion. This should be spearheaded by the Council committee on alcohol and drugabuse.

10.There needs to be a sober approach towards those employees addicted to alcohol anddrugs. Those willing to go to rehabilitation centres should be supported both morallyand financially by the Council.



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11.The Council should engage the services of a spiritual guidance for those willing tochange their way of life.

CONCLUSION

The study comes to a conclusion that alcohol/drugs use has an effect on the staff of the TownCouncil of Karuri and that there needs to have intervention measures to curb thisphenomenon. There is also a need to encourage positive actions to enable the Council

workers resist from excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs while on duty.Those going to the field should be closely monitored by their supervisors to avoid cases of going to enforce revenue collection while one is drunk.



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APPENDIX I

SIGNS OF ALCOHOL, DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Emotional signs of alcohol, drug and substance abuse

Irresponsible behavior Personality change Sudden mood change Irritability Poor judgment Low self esteem Depression

Physical signs of alcohol, drug and substance abuse

Red and glazed eyes Fatigue

Repeated ill health A lasting cough especially for smokers Difficult in concentration and memory lapses Slurred or incoherent speech Marked deterioration in physical hygiene Watering eyes and nose Dilated pupils and red eyes Dark circles under the eyes and blank facial expression Burn holes on clothing, burnt finger tips and skin rush

Family, social and work related signs of alcohol, drug and substance abuse Unreasonable arguments Lateness and absenteeism from work Breaking of rules and regulations Drunkenness during office time Withdrawal from workmates Involuntary shaking of lips and hands Red mouth lips and unexplained scars on the face Evasive new friends

Unconventional dressing code



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TOWN COUNCIL OF KARURISTAFF BASELINE SURVEY ON DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The Council in its Performance Contract of 2009/2010 committed itself to undertake the above studyamong her employees. This questionnaire is therefore being used as a tool to carry out a survey tomeasure the level of awareness, usage and/or abuse of alcohol/drugs among the staff of the TownCouncil of Karuri. Please fill the questionnaire as exhaustively as possible.

Definitions: NB. Please dont write your name

A Drug is any substance which if taken into the body can affect one or more of the bodys functions.This includes those substances that are useful and those harm the body.

1. Personal Information (Tick one)

. Sex :Male Female

b. Marital Status :Married Single Divorced Windowed

. Religion :Christian Muslim African Traditional Pagan

. Age : 20-35 36-50Over 51 years

e. Department----------------------------------------.

2. HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSEa. Do you know what is alcohol/ drug/ substance abuse? YesNo

b. Do you know of any colleague in the Council who abuses alcohol/ drugs? YesNo

c. If yes, how is this manifested?(Signs of abuse)

1. ----------------------------------------------- 4 -----------------------------------------------2. ------------------------------------------------ 5 -----------------------------------------------3. ------------------------------------------------- 6 ------------------------------------------------

d. What types of alcohol/ drugs are you aware of? Please name them here below

1-------------------------------------------- 5--------------------------------------2--------------------------------------------- 6--------------------------------------3-------------------------------------------- 7--------------------------------------4--------------------------------------------- 8---------------------------------------

. Do you yourself take/ use any type alcohol/drugs? Yes No (If No go to Qst. 3)

f. If yes, what types of alcohol/ drugs do you take/use?

1. --------------------------------------------------- 5----------------------------------------2. ---------------------------------------------------- 6----------------------------------------3. ---------------------------------------------------- 7----------------------------------------4. ---------------------------------------------------- 8----------------------------------------



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g. When did you start taking alcohol / drug(s) Year------------Cannot remember

. For the above types alcohol /drug (s) how long have you been taking it/ them?

Why did you start using alcohol /drug(s)/?

Loneliness Peer pressure Family /Work crisis Stress.

Personally, what time of day do you use/consume your alcohol/drugs?.

During the day At Lunch time After office hours

k. How often do you use alcohol/drug(s)? Hourly Daily Weekly

On weekends occasionally

l. Why are you using alcohol /drug(s) now? To escape from family crisis/stress

Peer Pressure To feel good/ cool Work Stress To socialize

m. How has the consumption of alcohol drug(s)/ affected you in each of the followingcategories -

I. Financially :ImprovedWorsened Remained the same

II. Work Performance: ImprovedWorsened Remained the same

III.Work performance: Improved Worsened Remained the same

IV.Sexually : Improved Worsened Remained the same

V.Your health: ImprovedWorsened Remained the same

VI.Social life : ImprovedWorsened Remained the same

VII.Marriage /Family life : ImprovedWorsened Remained the same

2.1 . Would you wish to stop using alcohol /drug(s)? Yes No

a. If yes, what assistance would you need form the Council management?

Counseling Charge of work stationRehabilitation support

Spiritual guidance Family Re-union Others (Name) -------------


Drug(s Name of Drug/ Alcohol Period of usage in months/years

12

345


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2b. Would you like to be part of a support/ Counseling group for those staff addicted or

abusing

alcohol drugs in the Council? Yes No

3. USAGE INTERVALS

a. Is there a time you had stopped using alcohol/drug(s)? Yes No

b. If Yes for how long did you stop?

3 Months 3-12 months 1-2 years Over two years

c. Why had you stopped usingalcohol /drug(s? Own volition High price of Alcohol/Drugs

Due to lack of money Got saved Health complications

d. Why did you start using alcohol/ drug(s) again? Peer pressure Loneliness

Stress Family /Work crisis others (name them) ---------------------

4. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL/DRUG(S) USE

a) Is consumption of alcohol drug(s)/ good? Yes No

b) Please list for me the various effects of alcohol/drugs use you are aware of?1. _________________ 5. ________________ 2. _________________ 6. ________________ 3. _________________ 7. ________________ 4. _________________ 8. ________________

5. GENERAL COMMENTS

a. If your own view, what do you think are the causes of alcohol/drug abuse amongemployees of the County Council of Kiambu

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

b. In your own view, do you agree with the statement that Alcohol/drugs/substanceuse by Council staff affects their overall work performance

Yes NoIf yes, how? (List your reasons below)

_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

C. Pleasegive suggestions on what the Council should do in order to fight drugs andsubstance abuse at the work place

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________


Documents

9. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Survey