Relationship between Socio-demographic Factors and Substance Use Disorders among Patients in Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) have become a major public health concern in Kenya, with their emergence and persistence closely linked to individuals’ sociodemographic circumstances. This study examined the relationship between socio-demographic factors and SUDs among patients in selected rehabilitation centres in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective of this study was to examine the association between socio-demographic factors and SUDs prevalence. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational design. The target population consisted of male participants aged 18–59 years in six rehabilitation centres. The sample size was 100 participants. Purposive sampling was used to select the study sites, while convenience sampling was used to select participants. Data was collected using the socio-demographic questionnaire and alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement-screening test (ASSIST). Data were analysed using SPSS (version 25), applying descriptive and inferential statistics to reveal patterns of substance use. The study found that SUD prevalence was statistically significant with religion and level of income (p = .014; p = .009), respectively, suggesting that spiritual affiliation and economic status may play important roles in shaping individuals’ vulnerability to substance use. Further, the study found that substance use severity was significantly influenced by sociodemographic factors, highlighting the multifaceted nature of addiction. Hence, the study recommends that intervention programs be designed with greater sensitivity to individuals’ socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Tailored strategies that incorporate spiritual support, economic empowerment, and targeted outreach for at-risk groups may prove more effective in reducing both the prevalence and severity of SUDs within diverse populations.