INTRODUCTION: Smoking, alcohol and other drugs use among high school learners has become a major public health problem across the globe. Here in South Africa, it is estimated that a large proportion of learners indulge in smoking and the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Data from treatment sites across the country indicate that the number of patients who are below 20 years seeking treatment is escalating. These indulgences have been blamed for escalating school violence, rapes, robbery and accidents, all of which contribute to increased morbidity, disability and premature deaths. It is expected that the result of this study may provide additional understanding about learners’ drug and alcohol use. Such additional understanding can be of benefit to those responsible for the planning and implementation of cessation programmes. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of drug and alcohol use, the relationship between substance use and academic performance, and the factors that may influence cessation of alcohol and drug use among high school learners in Mogalakwena municipality. METHOD: The protocol involved purposeful selection of one school from each of the nine education circuits within the Mogalakwena Municipality, Limpopo Province. The questionnaire was anonymous, requiring no data that can identify any learners. The sample consisted of five hundred and fifty five students aged 15 to 23(53% females and 47% males). The data was coded and analysed with epi-info version 6(Dutch) and this involved descriptive statistics and cross tabulations with specific reference to chi square test and students t-test yielding p-values. RESULTS: The result of this study indicate that among high school learners in the Mogalakwena municipality 28% have smoked cigarette, 65% have drunk alcohol and 16% have used illicit drugs.In addition there was statistically significant difference between urban and rural learners in terms of smoking and alcohol consumption, with higher rates among urban students, but there was no difference in the use of drugs between the two groups. Also, there was statistically significant difference in drug usage and smoking with regard to age but no difference in alcohol consumption. Younger students tended to smoke more and also were more involved in the use of drugs. More males than females were involved in smoking, alcohol consumption and drugs use. The most reported factors that could influence cessation of alcohol and drugs use were bad effect 49%, cost 23% and parents’ influence 15%. Among the parameters examined as proxies for impact of alcohol and other drugs use on academic performance, indications point to negative impact. CONCLUSION: Alcohol and other drugs use is prevalent among high school learners in the Mogalakwena municipality and is reported to have a negative impact on academic performance. “Bad effects”, high costs and significant relationships are reported as the most important factors that could influence alcohol and other drugs use cessation and these may be important considerations in planning risk reduction.

The teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly influence the development of a child, which may result in a range of structural, cognitive and behavioural abnormalities. The severity of these effects can vary and fall under the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). South Africa hosts the highest prevalence rate (12%) of this disorder in the world. All conditions included in the FASD spectrum are completely preventable through maternal abstinence of alcohol during pregnancy. At present, very limited information is available regarding how much pregnant women in South Africa know about adverse effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. This study aimed to determine pregnant women’s awareness of alcohol’s potential teratogenic effects on pregnancy and their knowledge of the features and characteristics associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe of the FASD conditions. Additionally, the study compared the awareness and knowledge of pregnant women attending private antenatal centres, to those attending an antenatal clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, a state hospital in the Johannesburg area. Participants (n=211) completed a self-administered questionnaire at their private antenatal class or state clinic. A total of 211 questionnaires were analysed; 107 questionnaires from the state antenatal clinic and 104 from the private antenatal centres. The awareness levels regarding alcohol use in pregnancy were found to be very similar amongst the private (52%) and state (55%) participants. However, results indicated that significantly more private participants (19%), compared to state participants (3%) could be classified as having knowledge of the condition FAS. Overall, this study found that pregnant women from various backgrounds have limited knowledge of the harms caused by alcohol use during pregnancy. Misconceptions about the acceptable levels of maternal alcohol consumption and the effects thereof were also evident. The results of this research highlights that prevention strategies and awareness campaigns regarding alcohol use during pregnancy should incorporate information on the severity and permanent nature of FAS, as well as highlighting the fact that all types of alcoholic beverages can result in this condition. Also, these campaigns should focus on informing women that no level of alcohol is acceptable during pregnancy, as any amount may have potentially teratogenic effects on the developing fetus.

Aim To investigate the epidemiology of unintentional fall-related injuries at home among young and middle-aged adults (25 to 59 years) and to investigate the contribution of alcohol to these injuries. Methods Routinely collected national fall injury data were analysed to describe the incidence and characteristics of falls at home resulting in death or hospital inpatient treatment among this age group in New Zealand. A systematic review of the published literature evaluated the epidemiological evidence quantifying the risk of falls associated with acute and usual alcohol consumption in this age group. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand over a 12-month period. Cases were 335 people aged 25 to 59 years who were admitted to hospital or died as a result of unintentional non-occupational falls at home. Controls were 352 people randomly selected from the electoral roll from the same age group as the cases. The participants or next-of-kin completed a structured interview to ascertain data on personal and lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption. Findings The review of national injury data found that almost a third of unintentional falls resulting in an in-patient admission among working-age people were recorded as occurring at home. For every death there were about 150 in-patient hospital admissions. The systematic review identified only a small number of studies but showed an increased risk of unintentional falls in this age group with increasing exposure to alcohol use. The magnitude of this risk varied considerably across studies with most estimates being relatively imprecise. There was modest evidence of a dose-response relationship with acute alcohol use. The association between usual alcohol use and fall risk was inconclusive. The case-control study revealed that after controlling for confounding, the consumption of two or more standard alcoholic drinks in the preceding six hours relative to none is associated with a significantly increased risk of fall-related injury. Approximately 21% of unintentional non-occupational falls at home in this population was attributed to this risk. No association between hazardous drinking as a usual pattern and falls was found when the analyses were adjusted for confounders. Conclusion A significant proportion of unintentional fall-related injuries among the working-aged New Zealanders occur at home. Consuming two or more drinks in the previous six hours was strongly associated with unintentional non-occupational falls at home that result in admission to hospital or death in this age group. This largely unrecognised problem should be addressed in further research and in falls prevention programmes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-52).

Aim To investigate the epidemiology of unintentional fall-related injuries at home among young and middle-aged adults (25 to 59 years) and to investigate the contribution of alcohol to these injuries. Methods Routinely collected national fall injury data were analysed to describe the incidence and characteristics of falls at home resulting in death or hospital inpatient treatment among this age group in New Zealand. A systematic review of the published literature evaluated the epidemiological evidence quantifying the risk of falls associated with acute and usual alcohol consumption in this age group. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand over a 12-month period. Cases were 335 people aged 25 to 59 years who were admitted to hospital or died as a result of unintentional non-occupational falls at home. Controls were 352 people randomly selected from the electoral roll from the same age group as the cases. The participants or next-of-kin completed a structured interview to ascertain data on personal and lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption. Findings The review of national injury data found that almost a third of unintentional falls resulting in an in-patient admission among working-age people were recorded as occurring at home. For every death there were about 150 in-patient hospital admissions. The systematic review identified only a small number of studies but showed an increased risk of unintentional falls in this age group with increasing exposure to alcohol use. The magnitude of this risk varied considerably across studies with most estimates being relatively imprecise. There was modest evidence of a dose-response relationship with acute alcohol use. The association between usual alcohol use and fall risk was inconclusive. The case-control study revealed that after controlling for confounding, the consumption of two or more standard alcoholic drinks in the preceding six hours relative to none is associated with a significantly increased risk of fall-related injury. Approximately 21% of unintentional non-occupational falls at home in this population was attributed to this risk. No association between hazardous drinking as a usual pattern and falls was found when the analyses were adjusted for confounders. Conclusion A significant proportion of unintentional fall-related injuries among the working-aged New Zealanders occur at home. Consuming two or more drinks in the previous six hours was strongly associated with unintentional non-occupational falls at home that result in admission to hospital or death in this age group. This largely unrecognised problem should be addressed in further research and in falls prevention programmes.

Aim To investigate the epidemiology of unintentional fall-related injuries at home among young and middle-aged adults (25 to 59 years) and to investigate the contribution of alcohol to these injuries. Methods Routinely collected national fall injury data were analysed to describe the incidence and characteristics of falls at home resulting in death or hospital inpatient treatment among this age group in New Zealand. A systematic review of the published literature evaluated the epidemiological evidence quantifying the risk of falls associated with acute and usual alcohol consumption in this age group. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand over a 12-month period. Cases were 335 people aged 25 to 59 years who were admitted to hospital or died as a result of unintentional non-occupational falls at home. Controls were 352 people randomly selected from the electoral roll from the same age group as the cases. The participants or next-of-kin completed a structured interview to ascertain data on personal and lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption. Findings The review of national injury data found that almost a third of unintentional falls resulting in an in-patient admission among working-age people were recorded as occurring at home. For every death there were about 150 in-patient hospital admissions. The systematic review identified only a small number of studies but showed an increased risk of unintentional falls in this age group with increasing exposure to alcohol use. The magnitude of this risk varied considerably across studies with most estimates being relatively imprecise. There was modest evidence of a dose-response relationship with acute alcohol use. The association between usual alcohol use and fall risk was inconclusive. The case-control study revealed that after controlling for confounding, the consumption of two or more standard alcoholic drinks in the preceding six hours relative to none is associated with a significantly increased risk of fall-related injury. Approximately 21% of unintentional non-occupational falls at home in this population was attributed to this risk. No association between hazardous drinking as a usual pattern and falls was found when the analyses were adjusted for confounders. Conclusion A significant proportion of unintentional fall-related injuries among the working-aged New Zealanders occur at home. Consuming two or more drinks in the previous six hours was strongly associated with unintentional non-occupational falls at home that result in admission to hospital or death in this age group. This largely unrecognised problem should be addressed in further research and in falls prevention programmes.

Aim To investigate the epidemiology of unintentional fall-related injuries at home among young and middle-aged adults (25 to 59 years) and to investigate the contribution of alcohol to these injuries. Methods Routinely collected national fall injury data were analysed to describe the incidence and characteristics of falls at home resulting in death or hospital inpatient treatment among this age group in New Zealand. A systematic review of the published literature evaluated the epidemiological evidence quantifying the risk of falls associated with acute and usual alcohol consumption in this age group. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand over a 12-month period. Cases were 335 people aged 25 to 59 years who were admitted to hospital or died as a result of unintentional non-occupational falls at home. Controls were 352 people randomly selected from the electoral roll from the same age group as the cases. The participants or next-of-kin completed a structured interview to ascertain data on personal and lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption. Findings The review of national injury data found that almost a third of unintentional falls resulting in an in-patient admission among working-age people were recorded as occurring at home. For every death there were about 150 in-patient hospital admissions. The systematic review identified only a small number of studies but showed an increased risk of unintentional falls in this age group with increasing exposure to alcohol use. The magnitude of this risk varied considerably across studies with most estimates being relatively imprecise. There was modest evidence of a dose-response relationship with acute alcohol use. The association between usual alcohol use and fall risk was inconclusive. The case-control study revealed that after controlling for confounding, the consumption of two or more standard alcoholic drinks in the preceding six hours relative to none is associated with a significantly increased risk of fall-related injury. Approximately 21% of unintentional non-occupational falls at home in this population was attributed to this risk. No association between hazardous drinking as a usual pattern and falls was found when the analyses were adjusted for confounders. Conclusion A significant proportion of unintentional fall-related injuries among the working-aged New Zealanders occur at home. Consuming two or more drinks in the previous six hours was strongly associated with unintentional non-occupational falls at home that result in admission to hospital or death in this age group. This largely unrecognised problem should be addressed in further research and in falls prevention programmes.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 357-374). Also available via World Wide Web.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Univ., 2006. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

The law enforcement literature has recently begun to focus attention on the problem of alcohol use among police officers. However, to date the problem has been viewed within the framework of the "disease" model of alcohol addiction and the focus has been on the treatment of individual officers whose job performance has been seriously affected by heavy drinking. Anecdotal evidence, on the other hand, indicates that the heavy and consistent use of alcohol is a widespread and accepted phenomenon among large sections of the police force. There is a substantial body of theory which relates socialization processes and job stress problems to the development of homogeneous attitudes and beliefs. These attitudes and beliefs may, in turn, serve to support the heavy use of alcohol by police officers. The objective of the proposed study was to assess the extent of alcohol use among local police and to determine the perceptions held by this target population concerning the reasons for the existence of the problem. Particular emphasis was placed on the concept of job stress. This study is seen as a first step toward a comprehensive understanding of alcohol abuse by police. Questionnaire results confirmed heavy and consistent use of alcohol. The prime reason cited was as a relaxant. Having to deal with the suffering of others and being the target of abuse from citizens were the most often given sources of stress, and drinking with a colleague was seen as a "safe" way to unwind and an important way of staying in touch with colleagues. Results were discussed in terms of current conceptions in the alcohol literature. The recommendation of the report was in support of federal funding for a needed alcohol management programme. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate