The alarming rise in drug and alcohol use among Kenyan adolescents calls for immediate action. Fortunately, there is a proven solution: “Keepin’ it REAL” (kiR), an evidence-based behavioral intervention that has been successfully used to prevent and delay substance use among teens aged 12-14. A study jointly conducted by the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) and the Global Center for Applied Health Research at Arizona State University has shown that this program holds great promise for Kenyan schools.
The study, conducted in two Nairobi secondary schools with 348 students, demonstrated that “Keepin’ it REAL” not only engages students but also equips them with the tools to resist peer pressure and make informed choices about substance use. The program is delivered by trained teachers, and its content is culturally adapted to fit the Kenyan context. It focuses on real-life scenarios that teach students how to effectively resist drugs and alcohol through decision-making skills.
Both students and teachers found the program highly feasible, acceptable, and effective. Students actively participated in the lessons and reported that the content was engaging, relevant, and applicable to their lives. Teachers noted that while there were minor technical issues, the program was well-received and addressed the growing problem of youth substance use effectively.
The results of this study indicate that with a few adjustments, “Keepin’ it REAL” could be successfully scaled across Kenyan schools, providing a much-needed defense against substance use. By supporting programs like this, we can give our youth the skills and knowledge they need to lead healthy, substance-free lives.
Now is the time to adopt “Keepin’ it REAL” in schools across Kenya. The evidence is clear: it works. Let’s ensure a brighter future for our children by taking action today.
Access the full publication here https://ajada.nacada.go.ke/index.php/ajada/article/view/60 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36799673/ doi: 10.15288/jsad.21-00435.
