Risk factors contributing towards alcohol abuse amongst the youths of Solomondale Community of Ga-Dikgale Traditional Authority, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Alcohol abuse amongst the youths is one of the major problems the world is facing today, especially in rural communities where most young people are unemployed and have little to do with their time.

Aim: This aim of the study is to understand risk factors contributing towards alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community.

Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach to explore risk factors that contribute to the prevalence of alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community of Ga-Dikgale Traditional Authority, Limpopo Province. Exploratory research design was used in this study. The population of the study was youths of Solomondale community between the ages of 14 and 35 who consume alcohol. The researcher used a non-probability sampling method through the application of a snowball sampling technique. The technique suggested that each person may be asked to provide information that may suggest how other respondents maybe located for semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data saturation was reached at respondent number six. Data was analysed through thematic content analysis.

Findings: The findings of this study are anticipated to have the capacity to assist in the prevention of alcohol abuse at a rural community level. The findings of the study revealed that the physical availability of alcohol in a community has the potential to create an opportunity for youth to indulge in alcohol. They further revealed that children/youth learn more from observations of the adults’ behaviour, and therefore, if adults drink in front of a young person, that person is likely to drink when they shift away from that adult. Moreover, according to the respondents, generally the unavailability of a parent in a child’s life has negative effects towards their upbringing, which ultimately creates unfavourable social conditions that may lead to alcohol abuse by such persons. Finally, domestic violence has not been found to have effect on any form of alcohol abuse amongst the youth of Solomondale community.

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Recommendations: This study has made a number of recommendations. Alcohol and other substance abuse call for preventative and intervention measures in rural communities. Issues such as educating the parents and guardians on how to improve their parenting skills in relation to alcohol consumption and the dangers thereof can go a long way if taken into consideration. The government of the Republic of South Africa should come up with programmes that are culturally relevant and appropriate aimed at keeping young people off the streets, and at developing their skills in order to enhance their wellbeing and ultimately communities in the country.