Influence of Parental Alcohol Abuse on Students' Attitudes Towards Alcohol Abuse in Public Secondary Schools in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi

Abstract This study investigated how parental alcohol abuse influences students’ attitudes towards alcohol abuse in public secondary schools in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi County. Guided by Systems Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel design, supplemented by cross-sectional and phenomenological approaches. The target population comprised principals, teachers, students, and the Sub-County Director of Education, with a sample of 4 principals, 48 teachers, 285 Form Three and Four students, and 1 SCDE. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis, with validity and reliability ensured prior to administration. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Findings revealed that parental alcohol abuse significantly shapes students’ attitudes by normalizing drinking, reducing parental guidance, and fostering emotional neglect. As a result, students exposed to parental alcohol use were more likely to view alcohol consumption as acceptable, experiment with drinking, and engage in indiscipline. The study concludes that the home environment is a critical risk factor influencing learners’ perceptions and predisposition to alcohol misuse. It recommends that schools, parents, and the Ministry of Education collaborate to implement awareness programs, strengthen counseling services, and sensitize parents on the dangers of modeling alcohol abuse to their children. Key Words: Parental alcohol abuse, Students’ attitudes towards alcohol, Public secondary schools, Embakasi Sub-County, Alcohol prevention interventions, Kenya