The state of Methamphetamine ('tik') use among Youth in the Western Cape; South Africa

Background. Methamphetamine use among youth in the Western Cape Province of South Africa has increased at alarming rates over the past decade. Although current estimates of youth use exist; they range from 2 - 12%. Objectives. To identify (i) the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Western Cape youth and (ii) the association between use and known risk factors for methamphetamine use. Methods. Data were obtained from 10 000 Western Cape Province Grade 8 learners in 54 secondary schools (mean age 14.0 years). Prevalence was descriptively reported while risk factors for past-month use were modelled in a hierarchical logistic regression with demographic; socioeconomic status; substance use; sexual activity and relationship predictors. Results. Approximately 5% (n=496) of learners had used methamphetamine within their lifetime. Of these users; 65% (n=322) had used in the past month or week. Compared to never users; past-month users were more likely to be male; less likely to have a present or partially present mother; less likely to live in an apartment/flat/brick house; more likely to have used alcohol and tobacco and more likely to report having a same-sex partner. Conclusion. Results replicate previously known methamphetamine risk factors and highlight the need to address methamphetamine use in comprehensive prevention initiatives

Leisure Boredom and Adolescent Risk Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review

There has been very little research investigating leisure boredom and risk behaviour among adolescents in South Africa. A systematic review of literature was conducted to synthesise current knowledge within the field of leisure boredom and risk behaviour among adolescents. An online and a hand search for relevant articles were conducted using keywords. This resulted in the retrieval of 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria. It was evident that the experience of leisure boredom is influenced by a variety of different factors; not least of which is the environment or context within which adolescents are situated. A key finding was how few studies have focussed on leisure boredom and risk behaviour in adolescents; particularly in the developing world. Also; gaps in the knowledge basis were identified; thus providing direction for future research. The review focuses attention on leisure boredom as a factor contributing to risk behaviour in adolescents. Expanding knowledge in this area is useful for individuals and organisations concerned with adolescent health; education and development