The interpersonal factors associated with substance use among rural high school learners in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Substance use among high school learners is a major public health problem across the world, and South Africa cannot be an exception. Substance use has devastating effects on learners’ health, social well-being and academic performance. This study sought to explore the interpersonal risk factors associated with substance use among high school learners in the Motetema circuit, South Africa. It also looked at the participants’ lived experiences related to the substance use problem affecting learners. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach whereby ten learners (05 boys and 05 girls) from seven high schools in the Motetema circuit participated in the study through applying a purposive sampling technique. Seven (07) key informants also took part in the study, whereby a semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Thematic data analysis was used, and five themes emerged from the study. The following risk factors emerged as themes: domestic conflicts, less parental involvement and supervision, family influence, child abuse and peer influence. The Socio-Ecological Model is used to illustrate and discuss the findings of the study. Family problems, peer pressure and family influence increase the risk of substance use among learners. These findings assist in forming a targeted intervention to reduce the risk factors. It is recommended that a school-based substance use prevention program be implemented, as it will focus on empowering learners to resist substance use tendencies as well as strengthening family intervention services.