Substance use among Adolescents Residing in Perceived Hotspots in Zimbabwe: Prevalence and Correlates. (A Study of Sigola)

Abstract

This study investigated prevalence of alcohol and substance use among adolescents in Sigola, a community deemed a hot spot for drug abuse. It also examined the association between drug use and subjective wellbeing, stress and risk behaviors. This study adopted a quantitative approach and a cross sectional survey design guided the inquiry. Participants were adolescents selected from the five villages of Sigola using a purposive proportional quota sampling technique. The researcher adopted four validated instruments. CRAFT examined prevalence. Satisfaction with Life Scale explored subjective wellbeing. The Risky Taking Questionnaire examined risky taking while the Perceived Stress Scale examined stress levels among adolescents. Descriptive statistics guided the analysis of demographic data. The Chi Square test complimented the Pearson Correlation to determine relationships between variables. Results revealed that 28% of adolescents were using substances. Adolescents were also getting high with unfamiliar substances. Gender differences showed drug use more prevalent among males. Life satisfaction was lower among substance users. Stress levels were also significantly high among drug users. A positive linear relationship existed between substance use and stress. A similar relationship existed between substance use and risk taking. Results justified the need for urgent measures to curtail the substance use pandemic in Zimbabwe.