Substance use among in-school adolescents in Gweru, Zimbabwe: perceived predictive and protective factors

Abstract

This study examined Zimbabwean adolescents’ beliefs on perceived predictive and protective factors for substance use. Using a qualitative descriptive design, researchers collected data from a maximum variation sample of 160 participants. Data was obtained using essay type open ended questionnaires. The researchers isolated themes by identifying recurrent words and phrases and then sorted the data into thematic categories. A number of subthemes emerged. Specifically; peer pressure, life stress, disinhibition, boosting selfimage, negative affect, parenting practices, perceived benefits and symbolic expressionism emerged as perceived predictive factors for adolescent substance use. Parental support, religiosity, self-control, school based guidance and counselling, and minimising substance availability emerged as perceived protective factors. The findings suggest that intervention programmes for preventing adolescent substance use should factor in these predictive and protective factors if they are to be efficacious.