A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Educationis in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Zululand, South Africa, 2011. / Substance use is on the increase among the youth in South Africa. Traditional concern about the youth (as the future of South Africa), and the portrayals in the media of severe drug and alcohol use among the country‟s youth have contributed to the need for research into this issue. Drugs and alcohol also have a close link to crime. The aim of this study is to investigate and report the prevalence of substance use and the need for intervention among male youth offenders at the Pollsmoor Youth Centre, in the Western Cape Province. The research has attempted to create an understanding of male youth drug abusers‟ attitudes towards intervention and rehabilitation programmes and also the Correctional Service‟s role in managing substance abuse. A survey research methodology using questionnaires has been employed. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The sample population consisted of the sentenced male youth offenders at the Pollsmoor Youth Centre. The results of the survey indicated that “Tik” (methamphetamines or crystal meths) was the most popular substance of choice in this sample. Tik was 23 % more popular than its nearest rival, cannabis. Tobacco was the most widely used drug owing to it being legal and obtainable at the Centre‟s shops. The majority of male youth offenders (74 %) believed that an intervention programme was necessary as part of their rehabilitation. The findings indicated that a department or unit needs to be established to handle the increasing drug abuse problem. The unit should identify substance abusers on admittance and place them on a rehabilitation programme. If necessary this programme should continue in their community after release from the correctional centre.

Vythilingum, B. et.al. 2012. Risk factors for substance use in pregnant women in South Africa. South African medical journal, 102(11):851-854 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objectives. To study the prevalence of alcohol and substance use in a South African antenatal population and its correlates with sociodemographic factors, depression and perceived stress. Methods. A prospective self-report study on all women presenting for their first antenatal visit who consented to the study at a midwife obstetric unit (MOU) in the East Metropole district, Cape Town, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses using the chi-square test, separate one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analyses were performed as appropriate. Outcome measures were depression, alcohol use and substance use. Results. The questionnaire was completed by 323 women. During pregnancy 36.8% of women smoked, 20.2% used alcohol and 4% used substances. Using EDS cut-off scores of 12 and 15, respectively, 48.9% and 33.6% of the sample had scores consistent with major depression. An EDS cut-off score of 12 was significantly associated with both alcohol use (25.9% v. 15.2%, p=0.019) and risky drinking (76.9% v. 36.8%, p=0.04), while an EDS cut-off score of 15 was significantly associated with substance use (8.2% v. 1.4%, p=0.004) as well as alcohol dependence (23.1% v. 3.1%). Conclusions. We found high rates of both alcohol abuse and antenatal depression, and a significant association between depression, substance use and alcohol abuse; EDS scores greater than 12 could be used to identify women at risk of alcohol dependence and/or substance abuse. / Publishers' version

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Educational Psychology in the Department Of Educational Psychology and Special Needs Education at the University of Zululand, 2018 / The study examined the experiences of high school educators in dealing with substance abuse at uThungulu District schools. Data for the study was gathered through survey. A structured questionnaire was designed and used to obtain information from school educators who served as teachers and principals in selected schools. The descriptive design approach was employed in this study. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select five secondary schools in uThungulu Districts, while simple random sampling technique was used to select 176 educators from the five schools. The quantitative data collected through questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentage and frequency counts. The results of the quantitative data were displayed as tables and graphs, followed by discussions of each result. The overall results revealed that substance abuse affects both mental and psychological wellbeing of learners, which later develops into poor academic performance. The Educators that participated in the study attested to this when they responded affirmatively that excessive use of drug affects physical coordination of learners in classes, mental disconnection, and permanent brain damage. The study recommends the inclusion of Education for Substance Abuse Avoidance and Treatment as part of the core subjects in South African schools, and such should be offered in local languages. In addition, interactive teaching methods such as brainstorming, open discussions, and role-playing are recommended for all learners, including those who abuse substance and those addicted. Lastly, the study recommends the engagement of the professional Guidance and Counsellors in the South African schools whose primary assignment would be to counsel learners not only on substance abuse but also on career choice and future professional guidance.

Thesis (M. A. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2007 / Refer to document

Thesis (M.A. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2007 / Refer to the document

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below

Thesis (M. Ed. (Educational Management)) --University of Limpopo, 2011

MPH / Department of Public Health

Young people have high rates of risk-taking, including alcohol use/abuse and high risk sex. The main purpose of this study was to gain insight into the drinking patterns and sexual behaviour of young UWC students. The aim was to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and unsafe sex practices (such as unplanned sex, multiple partners, and non/inconsistent condom use) and to identify any shifts in sexual practices in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Young people have high rates of risk-taking, including alcohol use/abuse and high risk sex. The main purpose of this study was to gain insight into the drinking patterns and sexual behaviour of young UWC students. The aim was to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and unsafe sex practices (such as unplanned sex, multiple partners, and non/inconsistent condom use) and to identify any shifts in sexual practices in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.