Effect of Alcohol Consumption and Tobacco Smoking on Psychological Distress: A Quasi-experimental Study Using the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey Data

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examines the impact of alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking on psychological distress among adults aged 15-54 years in Kenya, utilizing data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey. Of the 46,609 participants, 13.8% reported alcohol consumption, 5.0% smoked tobacco, and 2.3% experienced psychological distress. Propensity score matching and conditional logistic regression analyses revealed that alcohol consumption (OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.06-3.70) and tobacco smoking (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.29-3.24) were significantly associated with increased odds of psychological distress. These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions for individuals engaging in these behaviors.