Abstract
BackgroundIn South Africa, many studies conducted on substance abuse among in-school youth focus on urban areas. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that rural areas are experiencing an increase in substance abuse, though there is dearth of studies in these areas.MethodsThis study used a quantitative design to collect data from 629 high school learners who were in Grades 10 and 11 in public schools in rural Free State Province, to determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with substance use.ResultsThe sample consisted of 46% males and 54% females. Their ages ranged from 14 to 20 years, with a mean of 16.9 years. The prevalence of substance abuse was 47% (n = 295) with alcohol consumption, cigarette and dagga smoking being the most common substances used. Socio-demographically, age and gender were significantly associated with substance abuse. While behavioural variables of physical fights, serious problems with parents and friends, poor academic performance, trouble with police, having sex without condom, and having sex and regretted the next day were significantly associated with substance abuse (p = 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of substance abuse is very high for this rural school community, which highlights the need to pay attention to rural schools regarding substance abuse challenges.
Highlights
South Africa has a high rate of substance abuse among young people, which includes both in and out of school youth
There was no statistical association between substance use and grades, employment status of the parent, and whether they stay with their parents or not
The prevalence of substance abuse among this sample is high at 47%, which is close to the 47.9% reported in a similar sample in Ethiopia,[25] but higher than the 6% reported in another study conducted in a rural setting in South Africa.[4]
Summary
South Africa has a high rate of substance abuse among young people, which includes both in and out of school youth. Despite reported stigma and associated reluctance to seek treatment for substance abuse,[1] an increase in young people aged 20 years seeking treatment for substance abuse,[2] is an indication of the gravity of the problem. Substance abuse among learners is associated with a range of criminal acts,[6,7] which includes violence and bullying.[8,9] It has been associated with a range of mental disorders[10]; while socially, it is associated with social disorganisation, deviant behaviour, and social interaction with deviant groups,[11] depending on which substances are used. In South Africa, many studies conducted on substance abuse among in-school youth focus on urban areas. Anecdotal evidence suggests that rural areas are experiencing an increase in substance abuse, though there is dearth of studies in these areas
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