Effectiveness of A Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Sexualized Muguka Use Among Adolescents and Youth in Kenya

The use of behavioural interventions against problem khat use remains understudied. This study tested the effectiveness of a group cognitive behavioural intervention among regular muguka (a variant of khat) users’ frequency of use, sex-related beliefs and risk perception among others. A mixed-method design incorporating a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental approach and individual interviews was used on a sample of 249 regular muguka users. After a pretest, a 12-week cognitive behaviour intervention was administered once a week. A posttest was administered immediately after the intervention. In addition, 27 conveniently sampled participants were targeted for individual interviews. Results indicate significant changes in protected sexual intercourse, risk perception and cognitions at Time 2. Significant reduction in frequency of muguka use was also reported at Time 2.  The study provides a proof of concept of the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of a cost-effective community-level behavioural intervention for muguka use.