JournalTOCs

African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.168

Number of Followers: 5

Full-text available via subscription

Subscription journal
ISSN (Print) 1531-4065
Published by African Journals Online

[261 journals]

Validating the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa:
The voices of East London citizens
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Samkelo Bala, Simon Murote Kang’ethe
  Pages: 1 - 14
  Abstract: This study employed a purposive sampling technique to examine the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa with the participation of East London citizens. The study applied a qualitative approach and paradigm that allowed for the description and exploration of the circumstances surrounding substance abuse as discussed by sixteen participants engaged in in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. Demographically, the participants’ age ranged from 42 to 59 years with a mean of 50.1. The gender distribution was skewed with eleven male and five female participants. Among the participants were fourteen blacks and only two whites. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed manually through thematic analysis. Inter alia, the study revealed the limited success of substance abuse policies; poor intergovernmental policy implementation; a paucity of qualified human resources and politics and corruption serving as stumbling blocks to proper policy implementation. This study revealed a need to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of substance abuse policies in South Africa.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.1
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)
Social and health implications of alcohol consumption among women of
reproductive age in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Emmanuel Chika Ezekwe
  Pages: 15 - 31
  Abstract: Much of the research concerning women’s alcohol use and misuse has focused on biomedical issues associated with female drinking; In contrast, little attention has been paid to the social dimensions of maternal drinking. Using the Symbolic interactionist’s paradigm, this paper interrogates the social and health consequences of drinking among women of reproductive age. Data were collected using a concurrent mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative data) Three hundred and seventy-three (373) close-ended questionnaires were analysed, and in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 mothers randomly selected from different occupational backgrounds. Findings reveal that heavy alcohol intake can cause divorce in marriages, loss of social respect, stigmatisation for the children, and loss of social bonds within the family. The researcher concluded that health and social issues relating to alcohol use can only be understood within the social and cultural context. However, the paper recommends an all-encompassing approach which involves continuous sensitization of women (especially of reproductive age) on the dangers of maternal alcohol use and the need to implement policies to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.2
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)
Substance use, social support and socio-demographic factors among
commercial drivers in Ibadan
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Bamidele Emmanuel Osamika, Adewale Adeshina, Stephen Oluwatimilehin Folorunso, Adenike Esther Osamika, Emmanuel Ogundipe, Busayo Tomoloju, Retta Akingbade
  Pages: 33 - 51
  Abstract: Commercial drivers often engage in long and irregular working hours, and as such suffer back pain, fatigue, stress and thereafter use some psychoactive substance to cope with their job. Even though most studies on substance use have been on general population, limited information is available on the use of substance and roles of socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers. This study therefore examined the roles of sociodemographic factors (age, years of driving, gender and social support) in substance use among commercial drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study employed a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling technique to recruit 250 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic information, social support and substance use from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, Analysis of Variance and Independent t-test analysis. Results showed that years of driving significantly have a positive correlation with substance use. However, duration and hours spent on the driving did not have a significant independent relationship with substance use. Younger participants significantly engage more in substance use than older individuals. Similarly, female participants significantly engage more in substance use than male drivers. Additionally, participants with high social support mostly engage in substance use than participants with low social support. The study concluded that years of driving, age, gender and social support network of the drivers significantly plays an influencing roles in substance usage among commercial drivers in Ibadan. The study recommends that, in the organized substance use and abuse preventive program for drivers, the consideration for drivers’ socio-demographics factors is quite imperative, especially as more females and younger individuals with more social support are getting more involved in substance use.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.3
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)
Cross-sectional study of alcohol preferences and expenditures on food
insecurity between urban and rural settings in Zambia
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Jason Paltzer, Chukwuemeka Okafor, Brian Chiluba, Keyanna P. Taylor
  Pages: 53 - 64
  Abstract: This study investigated potential differences in rural and urban alcohol expenditures and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. The 2015 Zambia Living Conditions Monitoring Survey was used with a sample of 12,260 households. Bivariate analyses and logistical regression evaluated the differences in rural/urban alcohol preferences and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. Traditional brew consumption was found to be significantly higher in rural areas (p<0.001). Rural households with alcohol expenditures had 23 percent lower odds (OR: 0.770, p<0.01) of eating three or more meals a day compared to households without alcohol expenditures. Rural characteristics around alcohol consumption need to be taken into consideration when determining food security and nutrition policies. Alcohol assessments and services should be adapted to rural conditions in Zambia to increase the effectiveness of prevention programs.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.4
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)
Use of Khat and associated substances during COVID-19 pandemic: Potential
adverse consequences
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Worku Abebe
  Pages: 65 - 77
  Abstract: The epidemic of COVID-19 has become a major public health challenge globally. There are concerns that an increased number of individuals who abuse substances could encounter greater risks of experiencing the effects of COVID-19. The present paper reviews the potential health risks that can be associated with using the commonly abused stimulant plant, khat and associated substances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature indicates that khat chewing, as practiced by most chewers, can facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and spread. Chewers with compromised health due to khat could be at greater risks of being affected by COVID-19, and these effects may include worsening of respiratory, cardiovascular, CNS, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hemostatic and immune dysfunctions. Furthermore, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in association with khat use has the potential to intensify most of these disorders. The review suggests that healthcare providers and khat chewers should take appropriate precautionary measures when khat and/or the associated substances are used during COVID-19 epidemic. The research community should also conduct further studies to provide additional and more specific information on the topic.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.5
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)
Methamphetamine (Mkpulummiri) use in eastern Nigeria: A new addition to
drug users’ repertoire
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Authors: Emeka W. Dumbili, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi
  Pages: 79 - 88
  Abstract: Media reports indicate that methamphetamine (mkpulummiri) use is growing among young people in Eastern Nigeria, but empirical research has not been conducted. This article reviews the recent media reportage of methamphetamine use in Eastern Nigeria, presents an empirical account of a methamphetamine user, and synthesizes the available evidence, showing the factors facilitating its use. Available evidence shows that drug trafficking and illegal laboratories are the two main factors encouraging current methamphetamine availability and use in Eastern Nigeria. The NDLEA has discovered illegal laboratories where methamphetamine is produced in Enugu and Asaba. These laboratories were established by drug barons from Eastern Nigeria and their foreign counterparts. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that these local laboratories have largely contributed to the growing methamphetamine epidemic. Media reports indicate that youth organizations and vigilante groups apply corporal punishment by flogging identified users in public but do not highlight how effective this sanction is. While empirical data show that weight control motivates methamphetamine use, the grey literature has blamed youth unemployment. There is an urgent need to conduct empirical research to determine methamphetamine prevalence, the sources, motivations for use, and consequences in Eastern Nigeria. This will facilitate the design of effective interventions to reduce the growing trend. Efforts to discover and dismantle illegal laboratories should not only focus on cities because laboratories set up to evade detection may exist in rural settings. It is vital that the government work with all stakeholders to increase public awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use in Nigeria and develop mechanisms to support addiction treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social stigma users may face.
  PubDate: 2022-05-11
  DOI: 10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.6
  Issue No: Vol. 20, No. 1 (2022)