Social science research
Study Design:
I would conduct an observational study to investigate the relationship between access to mental health services and substance abuse among adolescents in Kisumu County. The study would involve:
- Data Collection: Collecting data on substance abuse prevalence and access to mental health services among adolescents in Kisumu County. This could be done through surveys, interviews, and administrative records.
- Statistical Analysis: Analyzing the data to identify any correlation between access to mental health services and substance abuse rates.
- Control Variables: Considering other factors that may influence substance abuse, such as socioeconomic status, family history, and peer pressure, to control for confounding variables.
This observational study would allow me to examine the association between access to mental health services and substance abuse without directly manipulating these variables. However, it is important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Further research would be needed to establish a causal relationship
Does access to mental health services reduce the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents in Kisumu County?
Population of Interest:
Adolescents aged 13-18 residing in Kisumu County. This population is particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, and access to mental health services could play a significant role in preventing and addressing this issue.
Sampling Method:
Stratified Random Sampling would be appropriate for this study. This method involves dividing the population into subgroups (strata) based on relevant characteristics (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status) and then randomly selecting samples from each stratum.
This ensures that the sample is representative of the entire population and allows for analysis of differences between subgroups.