Abstract

Much of the research on alcohol and drug abuse prevention examines general risk and protective factors without considering gender and is conducted primarily in Western cultural contexts. However, gender and culture are important to consider in the design and implementation of alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs because both gender and culture can play a role in the development of risk and protective factors. In order to assess the role that gender and culture might play in alcohol and drug abuse, a literature review was conducted. The literature review focused on the gender differences in reasons for alcohol and drug abuse and analyzed the differences and similarities between Western and African populations. The information gathered was then used to assess existing evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs listed in registries. These programs were examined to determine which risk and protective factors they address, and given gender and cultural differences in alcohol and drug abuse, whether these programs are likely to be effective for men and women across cultures. Finally, the prevention programs identified, using specific criteria, as being most suitable for adaptation in Kenya were selected and a website was created for disseminating culturally appropriate best practices.

Degree Name

MA in Community Psychology

Graduation Date

2-1-2012

Submission Date

November 2012

First Advisor

Forden, Carie

Committee Member 1

Carrillo, Amy

Committee Member 2

Gachutha, Catherine

Extent

90 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Youth -- Alcohol use -- Kenya.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Youth -- Drug use -- Kenya.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Carie Forden, my thesis advisor, who has always been patient and available especially in those times that I felt overwhelmed. Your feedback and suggestions have been so helpful and I sincerely have learnt a lot from you. Thank you for believing in me particularly when I had doubts about this whole project. To Dr. Amy Carrillo, who is always willing to help in any way possible and has constantly been a source of encouragement and support. Thank you for the feedback that you have given me during this whole process. It has been my pleasure working with you and you truly are an inspiration. To Dr. Catherine Gachutha, who willing agreed to be part of this committee in the last minute. Thank you for all the feedback that you have given me and for showing interest in this project. I believe that your participation was not mere coincidence and that you will play an important role in advocating for gender and culturally informed prevention programs in Kenya. Filly, I thank my classmates for their encouragement and insights during this journey. I believe that the knowledge and skills that you have acquired will be instrumental in your contributions to the development of Egypt.

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