Factors influencing the accessibility of drugs and substances amongst youth in Zimbabwe. A Case study of Warren Park 1
- Author
- Mutongwizo, Sharon.
- Title
- Factors influencing the accessibility of drugs and substances amongst youth in Zimbabwe. A Case study of Warren Park 1
- Abstract
- The study examined factors influencing the accessibility of drugs and substances amongst the youth in Warren Park 1. The study employed a case study research design. The study employed two non-probability sampling techniques which are snowballing sampling and purposive sampling. Snowballing was used to select the primary participants of the study and purposive sampling to select the key informants. A sample size of 14 participants was drawn from the target population and was utilised to collect relevant information to the study. Twelve were primary participants and 2 were key informants. The research was qualitative in nature and employed interviews and a focus group discussion for the purpose of data collection. The study utilised focus group discussions to collect data from the primary participants. It also utilised key informant interviews to collect data from key informants. Focus group discussion guide and key informant interview guide were tools used for the research. The study employed the social learning and systems ecological theories in understanding factors influencing the accessibility of drugs and substances among the youth. The study revealed that the youths are abusing different types of drugs which include cannabis, crystal meth, inhalants such as ethanol, petrol and glue, cough syrups such as Broncleer and alcohol. The study found out that factors such as peer influence and social networks, family dynamics, urbanization and migration, changing lifestyles and globalization, unemployment and weak regulatory framework are causing the accessibility of drugs and substances among the youths in Warren Park 1. Moreover, the study found out that the youths are facing many effects due to drug and substance abuse which includes physical health challenges, mental disorders, family disintegration, loss of status and isolation, addiction and dependence as well as increased healthcare costs. The study also puts across some recommendations. It recommends that the government also need to consider revising the drug Acts and statutory instruments currently in place, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, should develop a comprehensive national strategy to prevent substance abuse, focusing on evidence-based interventions and community-based programs. Moreover, Peer support groups should be established to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse. There is a need for inclusion of youths who have come out of drug use in community drug campaigns.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Warren Park
- Drugs and Substances
- Supervisor
- Mr. Sadomba,
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
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Mutongwizo, Sharon.pdf