Abstract:
Individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more predisposed to developing a substance use disorder than their healthy peers. This study sought to establish
the prevalence of ADHD symptoms among adults seeking treatment for substance use disorder in Nairobi County. It also sought to establish the drug of choice of adults with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and lastly, to compare the severity of SUD between adults with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and those without in Nairobi County. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was utilized, in which 130 participants were recruited from three alcohol and drug treatment centers in Nairobi County. Symptoms of ADHD were assessed using the Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Self-Report Scale version 1.1, while severity of substance use disorder was assessed using the UNCOPE. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The study found that the prevalence of ADHD in substance use disorder patient population was 25.4%, and that statistically significant differences exist between adults with ADHD symptoms (F (1,128) = 0.027, 𝑝 < .05 and those without ADHD (F (1,128) =0.048, 𝑝 <0.5). Alcohol registered the highest drug usage rate at 16 (48%) followed by tobacco 11 (33%), marijuana 5 (15%) and other drugs at 1 (3%). The findings further demonstrated that hyperactivity (p = 0.183), lack of concentration (p=0.095), forgetfulness (p=0.056) and difficulty focusing (p= 0.170) with the exception of impulsivity (p=0.041) were more severe in adults with ADHD symptoms than those without ADHD symptoms. Lastly; a T-test revealed significance between the two groups, those with ADHD and those without ADHD t (128) =0.027, p <. 05 hence the decision to fail to accept the null hypothesis. The study recommends early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD as a preventive strategy against substance abuse.
