Thesis ((M. A.(Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / The influences of alcohol abuse amongst the youth have been linked to multiple risk factors. Alcohol abuse among the youth is costing the country a lot of money every year. The aim of the study was to explore and describe risk factors of alcohol abuse amongst the youth in Musina Town, Limpopo Province. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed method). An exploratory-descriptive research design was utilised. The population of the study was drawn from learners and church leaders. A triangulation of sampling designs were employed in this research project: stratified-target and purposive sampling designs. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science and Nvivo software. The study revealed that an easy access to purchase alcohol, affordability of alcohol, peer pressure, self-esteem, stress, permissive parents, family members who drink and poor legislations enforcement put young people at risk of indulge binge drinking. Moreover, the study revealed that those above-mentioned risk factors have a negative impact on the well-being of young people. Young people who indulge into alcohol abuse end up contracting sexual transmitted infection and/or having unplanned pregnancy which later result in abortion. Alcohol abuse amongst the youth has been a contributing factor to social problems. The above study indicated, peers pressure, poor legislation enforcement, accessibility substances, affordability of alcohol, self-esteem and stress plays a significant role in influence youth’s decision to use or not use alcohol. To that end, the risk factors of alcohol abuse amongst the youth influences the behavioural change which later encourages maladaptive behaviours such as heavy episodic drinking at parties. The findings of the study point to the disbursements of funds for research purposes and in particular to Social Work scholars to do more research on risk factors of alcohol abuse in deep rural areas.

MPM / Oliver Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies / See the attached abstract below

Thesis (M. A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Background: Alcohol abuse amongst the youths is one of the major problems the world is facing today, especially in rural communities where most young people are unemployed and have little to do with their time. Aim: This aim of the study is to understand risk factors contributing towards alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community. Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach to explore risk factors that contribute to the prevalence of alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community of Ga-Dikgale Traditional Authority, Limpopo Province. Exploratory research design was used in this study. The population of the study was youths of Solomondale community between the ages of 14 and 35 who consume alcohol. The researcher used a non-probability sampling method through the application of a snowball sampling technique. The technique suggested that each person may be asked to provide information that may suggest how other respondents maybe located for semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data saturation was reached at respondent number six. Data was analysed through thematic content analysis. Findings: The findings of this study are anticipated to have the capacity to assist in the prevention of alcohol abuse at a rural community level. The findings of the study revealed that the physical availability of alcohol in a community has the potential to create an opportunity for youth to indulge in alcohol. They further revealed that children/youth learn more from observations of the adults’ behaviour, and therefore, if adults drink in front of a young person, that person is likely to drink when they shift away from that adult. Moreover, according to the respondents, generally the unavailability of a parent in a child’s life has negative effects towards their upbringing, which ultimately creates unfavourable social conditions that may lead to alcohol abuse by such persons. Finally, domestic violence has not been found to have effect on any form of alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community. viii Recommendations: This study has made a number of recommendations. Alcohol and other substance abuse call for preventative and intervention measures in rural communities. Issues such as educating the parents and guardians on how to improve their parenting skills in relation to alcohol consumption and the dangers thereof can go a long way if taken into consideration. The government of the Republic of South Africa should come up with programmes that are culturally relevant and appropriate aimed at keeping young people off the streets, and at developing their skills in order to enhance their wellbeing and ultimately communities in the country. / University of Limpopo