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