The Prevalence of Substance Use and its Associations amongst Students Attending High School in Mitchells Plain; Cape Town
S. Afr. fam. pract. (2004, Online)
; 53(1): 83-90, 2011.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1269920
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
In South Africa; there has been an increase in illicit drug trafficking and consumption and associated problems since the 1990s. Mitchells Plain in Cape Town is seen as a community battling with crime; gangsterism; unemployment; overcrowding; substance abuse and poverty. This study evaluated the actual prevalence of substance abuse amongst high school students in this community and factors associated with substance use. In particular; the study evaluated the use of tik (crystal methamphetamine); a relatively new drug.Method:
A cross-sectional study was performed amongst 12 secondary schools in Mitchells Plain; Grade 8 and Grade 11 classes were randomly selected to produce a sample of 438 learners. The students completed an anonymous questionnaire that contained enquiries on substance use; demographic and school performance details; and personal and sexual risks.Results:
Lifetime and annual prevalence rates were alcohol (50.6/41.0); tobacco smoking (49.7/36.2); cannabis (32.1/21.1); crystal methamphetamine (9.2/4.6); ecstasy (4.4/2.7); mandrax (2.1/0.9); solvents (3.0/0.9) and cocaine (0.9/0.9). Illicit substance use was significantly associated with age (OR 1.6; CI 1.2-2.2); substance use by other members of the household (OR 2.8; CI 1.2-6.3); carrying a knife (OR 10.9; CI 4.2-28.8); attempted suicide (OR 3.7; CI 1.4-9.5) and higher sexual risk (OR 1.6; CI 1.2-2.3).Conclusion:
The prevalence of substance use amongst adolescent students attending high schools in Mitchells Plain; Cape Town; is high for all substances relative to national and international figures. Government officials; educators and health care workers are alerted to the need for more comprehensive interventions to prevent and treat substance abuse in this and similar communities
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Schools
/
Students
/
Alcohol Drinking
/
Smoking
/
Poverty Areas
/
Risk Factors
/
Life Expectancy
/
Preconception Care
/
Substance-Related Disorders
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
S. Afr. fam. pract. (2004, Online)
Year:
2011
Type:
Article
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