Author/Authors :
Schupmann, Will Perelman School of Medicine - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States , Matesva, Mitchelle Perelman School of Medicine - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States , Riva, Katherine Psychiatry Department - Perelman School of Medicine - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States , Mphele, Seipone Psychology Department - University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana , Moshashane, Neo Psychology Department - University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana , Lowenthal, Elizabeth Pediatrics and Epidemiology Department - Perelman School of Medicine - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
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
