Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Adolescents: Attitudes, Behaviors and Associated Factors in Mopani District, Limpopo South Africa

Purpose: Purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol and other drug abuse among adolescents and associated factors in Mopani district, Limpopo of South Africa.

 Methods: A cross-sectional, explorative, descriptive research design was applied. Random sampling was applied to collect data from different areas of greater Giyani. Study participants were engaged on interviews using questionnaires. A total of 111 questionnaire samples were collected to assess the prevalence of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. Data was analysed by entering it into Microsoft excel spread sheets, categorized and summarized.

Results:  Males were found to be using more alcohol as compared to females, Adolescents whose parents indulge in alcohol were found to abuse alcohol more as compared to adolescents whose parents don’t drink alcohol. Drug use and smoking were less likely available around the area. Having unprotected sex was increased by alcohol use predisposing adolescents to HIV and other STI’s. The majority of the adolescents’ believed something should be done to curb alcohol use by the adolescents in the area

Conclusion: The use of these findings may bring change to the adolescents in this country and hence promote healthy living.