Emerging trends of drug abuse in Bindura, Chipadze area

Author

Mavhenge, Cathrine C.

Title

Emerging trends of drug abuse in Bindura, Chipadze area

Abstract

Drug abuse among elderly populations in Zimbabwe has emerged as a critical public health concern, yet remains largely understudied in academic literature. This study investigated the emerging trends of drug abuse among elderly individuals in Bindura, Chipadze area, with the aim of understanding the most abused substances, underlying causes, and potential interventions. The research was prompted by increasing reports of unconventional substance use among elderly populations and the breakdown of traditional community support systems in the study area. The study employed a qualitative research approach guided by an interprevist paradigm, utilizing a descriptive case study design. A purposive sample of 30 elderly participants aged 60 years and above was selected through a combination of purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling strategies. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes within the qualitative data, ensuring comprehensive understanding of participant’s lived experiences. Key findings revealed that alcohol emerged as the most abused substance, followed by crystal meth (mutoriro) and marijuana(mbanje). The study identified seven primary substances being abused, including abused, including unconventional substances such as mutowemapamba. Economic hardships and poverty, social isolation and loneliness, physical and emotional pain management, peer influence, and community normalization were identified as primary factors driving substance abuse. The breakdown of traditional community support systems and family migration patterns created vulnerable populations seeking chemical solutions to emotional and physical pain. The study concludes that elderly substance abuse in Chipadze area results from complex interactions between individual vulnerabilities and systemic failures. Five key intervention areas were identified: community-based support systems. Specialized healthcare services, economic support programs, education and awareness campaigns, and family reintegration support. The research recommends comprehensive pension reform, targeted economic empowerment programs, healthcare subsidies for elderly populations, and the development of national policies specifically addressing elderly substance abuse. These findings contribute significantly to understanding substance abuse patterns in resource-constrained environments and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy makers and practitioners working with vulnerable elderly populations.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Drug abuse

Health

Cause

Supervisor

Dr. Mhlanga