BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER CO-MORBIDITY AMONG PATIENTS ON REHABILITATION FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE IN NYAMAGABE CENTRE, RWANDA

Abstract: Alcohol abuse poses a significant public health challenge globally, leading to various social, economic, and health issues. There is a growing trend of individuals seeking rehabilitation services, highlighting the urgent need to address alcohol dependence. Research indicates that alcohol dependence often coexists with mental illnesses, including borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, there is limited information on the prevalence of BPD among patients undergoing alcohol rehabilitation in Rwanda. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of BPD among patients in rehabilitation at Nyamagabe Rehabilitation Center in Rwanda. It seeks to provide insights for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to better understand the connection between BPD and alcohol abuse. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the study incorporates both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population consists of 310 patients, with a sample size of 175 selected through systematic random sampling. To determine the prevalence of BPD among patients with alcohol abuse, descriptive statistics were employed to analyze frequencies and percentages. The relationship between BPD symptoms and alcohol consumption was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS V. 28). Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews to explore the challenges faced by health providers in treating BPD and alcohol abuse and to gather recommendations for improving treatment outcomes. The results revealed a significant prevalence of BPD symptoms among the respondents. Notably, 76.0% reported unstable relationships characterized by frequent arguments or breakups, and 74.3% admitted to self-harming behaviors or suicide attempts, indicating severe emotional distress. Impulsivity, a hallmark of BPD, was observed in 76.0% of participants, contributing to dysfunctional coping strategies such as binge eating and excessive drinking. Emotional instability affected 79.4% of patients, with 82.9% reporting frequent anger, complicating their interpersonal relationships. High percentages of distrust (90.3%), derealization (85.1%), and chronic feelings of emptiness (88.8%) were also noted. Furthermore, 86.9% of respondents lacked a clear sense of identity, and 91.4% expressed a desperate fear of abandonment. Bivariate analysis showed a significant positive correlation between BPD symptoms and alcohol consumption frequency (r=.214, p=.004), as well as the average daily intake (r=.189, p=.017). The analysis also indicated links between impulsive behaviors, such as excessive drinking (r=.190, p=.012), drinking six or more drinks during periods of extreme moodiness (r=.153, p=.043), and an inability to stop drinking once started (r=.155, p=.045). Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that therapeutic resistance in BPD patients, driven by trust issues and emotional instability, complicates treatment and increases relapse rates. The study recommends specialized interventions to address these challenges and reduce relapse rates among patients with dual diagnoses of BPD and alcohol abuse. Keywords: Borderline personality disorder, Patients, Rehabilitation, co-morbidity, alcohol abuse. Title: BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER CO-MORBIDITY AMONG PATIENTS ON REHABILITATION FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE IN NYAMAGABE CENTRE, RWANDA Author: JEAN NOEL NZAMWITA, Dr. Naomi Nduta Njoroge International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2024 - December 2024 Page No: 193-202 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 06-November-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14045081 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/borderline-personality-disorder-co-morbidity-among-patients-on-rehabilitation-for-alcohol-abuse-in-nyamagabe-centre-rwanda