Association between Masculinity Norms and Alcohol Use among Male Teachers in Muranga County, Kenya

Authors

1.Dr. Stephen Asatsa (⚑ Kenya) 1

1. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Abstract

Muranga is one of the counties in Kenya with the highest prevalence of alcohol addiction among men. The area is also known for highly empowered women with the position of the man in society being on the decline. It has been a national outcry for affirmative action in favor of the boy child who is seen to have been neglected.

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible association between masculinity and alcohol use among male teachers. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both correlation and phenomenological approaches.

The target population consisted of 2,642 male teachers in 313 public secondary schools across 8 sub-counties of Murang'a County. A sample of 422 male teachers was randomly selected from 6 sub-counties, and a sample of 42 participants with high alcohol use was selected for in-depth interviews. Data were collected using the Masculine Behavior Scale (MBS), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and interviews.

The findings revealed that 47.4% of the participants exhibited severe alcohol use disorders. There was significant negative correlation between alcohol use and the success obsession, exaggerated self-reliance and control, restrictive emotionality, and inhibited affections domains of the masculine norms. The findings demonstrated a significant association between masculinity norms and alcohol use among the participants. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive male-focused interventions to reduce alcohol use and promote healthy drinking habits in men.