International Journal of School Health

Phenomenology of Substance Use Among School-Going Adolescents in Botswana

Document Type : Research Article (s)

Authors

Will Schupmann 1
Katherine Riva 2
Seipone Mphele 3
Neo Moshashane 3
Mitchelle Matesva 1
Elizabeth Lowenthal 4

1 University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

2 Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

3 Psychology Department, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana

4 Pediatrics and Epidemiology Department, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

https://doi.org/10.5812/intjsh.82879
Abstract
Background: Increased rates of alcohol and drugs abuse has been noted among secondary school students in Botswana. Objectives : We conducted nine student focus groups to elicit motivations for substance use as well as risk and mitigating factors.
Methods: Participants were purposely sampled from among 2,227 secondary school students surveyed regarding drug/alcohol use in secondary schools. Students were selected for focus group participation based on their scores on the alcohol use and dependency inventory tool (AUDIT) and self-reported risk factors for alcohol/drug use.
Results: Students reported that alcohol/drugs are readily available at school and at home. A prominent theme among substance users was inadequate support from parents, who they describe as uncomfortable and unwilling to talk about common issues faced during adolescence, including alcohol/drug use.
Conclusions: We identified opportunities to improve the current situation such as renewing efforts to restrict alcohol availability and focusing on parent-child communication interventions.

Keywords

Africa
Botswana
Alcohol
Drugs
Adolescents
Student
Support Protection
International Journal of School Health
Volume 5, Issue 4
Autumn 2018
Pages 1-7

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