Abstract: Substance abuse remains a pressing challenge among youth globally and within Eswatini, with profound effects on family systems. This study examined the impact of parental substance abuse on children’s psychosocial well-being in Maphiveni, guided by Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. A mixed-methods design was employed, targeting a population of 2,800, with a study population of 900, comprising parents, children, social workers, children’s officers, and police officers. Using purposive sampling, data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, yielding 359 respondents. Quantitative data were presented through frequency tables, while qualitative analysis followed Tesch’s approach. Findings indicated a rising trend of parental substance use in Maphiveni. Children of substance-using parents were disproportionately vulnerable to mental health challenges, poor academic performance, weakened social skills, economic hardship, and increased risk of substance use. The study also revealed limited interventions to safeguard children’s psychosocial well-being, with families further burdened by financial strain and social stressors, including domestic conflict, abuse, and isolation. The study underscores the urgent need for formal and informal support networks, expanded counseling and rehabilitation services, and stronger government-led anti-drug initiatives through collaborative, community-based approaches.

Abstract: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. Despite global efforts to restrict the practice, there have been few reports on major positive changes to the problem. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy interventions in eradicating FGC practices in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study was guided by the theory of Reasoned Action. This study used a quasi-experiment design. The researcher used cluster sampling to identify 200 households and purposive sampling procedures, to identify 13 key informants for the study. The study used questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study concludes that in spite of various interventions, FGC is still an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through the re-socialisation of community members to change their negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.

Abstract: In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGC) is a cultural practice that is widely practiced. Despite interventional efforts to end FGC, progress has been limited both in preventing it and caring for girls and women who have already undergone the cut. The practice has persisted, albeit with some changes. This study sought to examine the place of women in the implementation of FGC interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child in Marani Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the step change theory. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study conclude that FGC is an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators though its practice has reduced drastically compared to previous years. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through re-socialisation of community members on the need to change this negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.