Substance Use and Associated Factors Among in School Adolescents in South Africa

Abstract

Background: Substance use is a significant public health problem worldwide and adversely affects the education system because learners who use substances display behaviours that negatively influence the quality of learning and teaching. The study aimed to determine the educator’s knowledge of the factors contributing to substance use among secondary school learners in the Greater Giyani municipality. Methods: The study employed a descriptive research design, and purposive sampling was applied to select the participants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 programme. Results: The findings show good financial background (69%), more pocket money (67%), high financial difficulties (67%), availability and accessibility of substances (51%), and psychological factors (low self-esteem, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder) as contributing to learners’ involvement in substance use. Conclusion: Substance use is a matter of serious concern in secondary schools, and several factors are believed to be perpetuating the behaviour. The government should put strict measures in place to ensure the appropriate use of marijuana and for the purpose indicated. Teachers’ inadequate knowledge of contributory factors to substance use by learners could mean that they could not educate them about substance-related harm.