Factors responsible for substance use among youths in urban areas and social work-related interventions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates factors responsible for substance use among youths in urban Zimbabwe and the roles that social workers can play to solve this growing problem. We adopted a qualitative methodology through a descriptive phenomenological design and collected data from 21 participants and 4 key informants using interviews. Data analyzed through thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology revealed that psychosocial and economic factors push youths into substance use. It was then reported that social workers need to sensitize communities, provide counseling and psychosocial support, and development-oriented practice to solve this conundrum. In conclusion, this article promotes the need for a multi-sectoral approach and prevention measures to eradicate this problem.