Effects of alcohol abuse on parental guidance of children

Abstract

Alcohol abuse and dependence can be disabling to the family functioning and especially nurturing of the children. However, information on the effect of alcohol abuse and dependence on the role of parents as nurturers in the rural settings of Kenya is limited. The purpose of this study was to establish effects of Alcohol abuse and dependence on parents in the rural settings and how this impacted on their parental roles as nurtures and especially in guiding children. The parents who use alcohol frequently experienced alcohol related disorders that could be disabling them from their parental duties. The effects of alcohol abuse and dependence on parental guidance in Marachi central location in Butula Division in Busia County and Mathira division in Nyeri County were derived from a questionnaire and focus group discussions with parents who frequently use alcohol. A total of 83 parents, 41 from Butula Division Busia County and 42 from Mathira Division in Nyeri County participated in the study. The findings from this study indicate that alcohol abuse and dependence not only drained family resources but more importantly led to negative self assessment that worked against the role of parents as models and nurturers hence their inability in guiding children to grow into desirable persons for individual development and functioning of the society.