{"title":"Perceived Discrimination and Social Identity as Adolescents' Pathways to Early Substance Use","authors":"I. Ottu, Aao Oladejo","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V13I1.31-42","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V13I1.31-42","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the influence of discrimination and social identity on adolescent’s substance use in selected secondary schools in Ibadan – an investigation predicated on the argument that angry, maladaptive and externalizing behaviours such as substance use could emerge from sustained social hostility and one’s identity confusion. Three hundred and forty-six (346) adolescents were randomly selected from four schools to take part in the study. Results of univariate analysis show that social stress associated with perceived and actual discrimination led highly discriminated adolescents to report high levels of substance use compared to adolescents who experienced low levels of discrimination (F=8.84, df=1, 338, p<.001). Also, adolescents’ social identity did not show significant influence on substance use but a tendency to use drugs among adolescents with low social identity compared to those with high social identity reported. This situation suggests the experience of identity confusion by adolescents who experience group hostility and discrimination. Also, a comparison of gender on drug use reveals males using more drugs than females (F=14.10, df=1, 338, p<.001). Based on these outcomes it was recommended that several social and governmental organizations starting from families should work together in the enlightenment of adolescents and the general populace on the need to respect the rights of every individual and live harmoniously. With this, adolescents will share more social acceptance and reduce the frequency of involvement in emotion-regulated substance use and other maladaptive and externalizing behaviours. Key Words : Discrimination, Social Identity, Adolescents, Substance Use","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70448723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patterns and determinants of alcohol use among Nigerian university students: an overview of recent developments","authors":"Emeka W. Dumbili","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.29-51","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.29-51","url":null,"abstract":"Use of licit and illicit drugs among students is a growing global phenomenon. Studies from different western countries reveal that students use and misuse substances such as alcohol and tobacco more than non-students. In Nigeria, cultural restraints prevented young people from consuming alcohol in the traditional era. However, recent studies show that many now consume alcohol and other substances in harmful ways. Findings from this recent literature indicate that while some Nigerian university students use alcohol to enhance sexual performance, boost confidence and reduce stress, others use heavy episodic drinking as means of constructing social identity. Other findings reveal that a majority combine alcohol with other drugs and that anxiety, depression, injury to self and others and failing examinations are some of the alcohol-related problems among users. It can be argued that factors such as lack of policy, aggressive advertisements, brewer-sponsored promotions and sponsorship of youth-oriented programmes are some of the facilitators of students’ alcohol use. The paper discusses the implications of these developments for contemporary Nigerian society and recommends that alcohol policies should be formulated and implemented. Keywords : alcohol misuse, alcohol-related problems, determinants of alcohol use, Nigerian university students, patterns of alcohol use","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70448968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Representations sociales de la consommation de tramadol au Niger, perceptions et connaissances des communautes : enjeux pour les actions de lutte","authors":"D. Maiga, H. Seyni, Amadou Sidikou","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.53-61","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.53-61","url":null,"abstract":"Full article is French Le chlorhydrate de Tramadol est un antalgique de palier II sur la classification de l’OMS des medicaments anti douleurs. Son trafic illicite et utilisation detournee et abusive sont devenus un probleme social au Niger. L’objectif de cette etude etait de decrire les representations sociales du tramadol evaluees a travers les connaissances et les attitudes des communautes - representees par les elus locaux, les vendeurs ambulants de produits pharmaceutiques et les administrateurs - et de mettre ces representations en lien avec les pratiques de sa consommation. L’etude etait qualitative, transversale et descriptive. Il ressort une dualite dans la dynamique representationnelle du Tramadol passant du «Tramadol-medicament» au «Tramadol-drogue» responsable respectivement d’une consommation naive et d’une consommation abusive et dependante. Toute mesure de lutte contre ce phenomene doit promouvoir des connaissances et attitudes communautaires en lien avec les consequences sociales et sanitaires de la consommation de cette substance. Mots cles : Representations sociales, Tramadol, drogue, medicament, prevention Tramadol hydrochloride is a Level II analgesic on the WHO classification of anti-pain medications. Its smuggling, diversion and abuse have become a social problem in Niger. The objective of this study was to describe the social representations of tramadol evaluated through the knowledge and attitudes of communities -- represented by the local officials, vendors of pharmaceuticals and administrators -- and to these representations in connection with practices of consumption. The study was qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive. It follows a duality in the representational dynamics of Tramadol from the “Tramadol-medication” to “Tramadol-drug” responsible for respectively naive consumption and abuse/dependent consumption. Any control measures against this phenomenon must promote community knowledge and attitudes in relation to the social and health consequences of the use of this substance. Key words : Social representations, Tramadol, drug, prevention","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alcohol marketing in Africa: not an ordinary business","authors":"I. Obot","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.63-73","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.63-73","url":null,"abstract":"Alcohol was the cause of nearly five million deaths globally in 2010, an increase of over one million deaths recorded ten years earlier. It was the leading risk factor for disease in southern sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), fifth in the East and West, and sixth in the Central African region. Several factors account for the increasing harm associated with alcohol in Africa among which are the availability of a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, rising urban populations, more disposable income to purchase alcohol, and unrestrained marketing and promotion of alcohol. Using a variety of strategies, producers of alcohol target young people and women with aspirational messages and other exhortations in an unprecedented onslaught of marketing and promotion which is increasingly being recognized as detrimental to public health and social welfare. Missing in the discussion on alcohol in most African countries is a clear understanding that alcohol marketing is not an ordinary economic activity and that the business of alcohol (an addictive substance with high potential for harm) can subvert the rights of individuals and the principles of democracy which many African societies are struggling to enthrone. This paper discusses these issues with particular attention to the harms caused by alcohol (to drinkers and non-drinkers alike), the potential for far-reaching harms to individuals and the society at large if the present scenario continues, and how these harms can be averted or minimized with the implementation of evidence-based policies. Key words : Alcohol marketing, alcohol promotion, Africa, alcohol advertising","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"175 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A systematic review of evidence-based workplace prevention programmes that address substance abuse and HIV risk behaviours","authors":"N. H. Burnhams, A. Musekiwa, C. Parry, L. London","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.1-21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.1-21","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of the systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of workplace substance abuse prevention programmes that also address substance-related HIV risks. A search of major electronic databases was conducted. Two authors independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed study quality, and extracted data using a standardised data extraction form. Due to the heterogeneity of study results, a qualitative approach was applied in assessing the effectiveness of the programmes. The search yielded 14 studies. All studies presented mixed results, with the majority reporting improvements in selfreported substance abuse measures. The review highlighted paucity in the availability of good quality workplace prevention programmes and none that addressed substance abuse and HIV risk behaviours in such settings. Keywords : Substance abuse, evidence-based, prevention programmes, workplace, industry","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70448893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Taboo of alcohol and road safety policies in Algeria","authors":"H. Bencherif, F. Boubakour","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.23-28","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I1.23-28","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this work is to show the real dimension of drunk driving in Algeria through the statistics of road accidents, the evolution of the legislative framework concerning driving while drunk and road preventive actions undertaken to fight against this risk factor. We first analyzed the statistics published by the National Centre for Road Safety (NCRS) in recent years to present the part of driving while drunk in the national data of road accidents. Then we retraced the evolution of the legislative framework for road safety particularly the laws governing driving while drunk. Finally, an overview of how the mass media process and disseminate information related to road traffic accidents, especially one devoted to driving while drunk and that has been achieved to show the part of the means of information in road safety. The results show that driving under the influence of alcohol is behind a significant number of road traffic accidents in Algeria. The results also show that the legislative framework concerning this risk is limited to the fixing of rates of blood alcohol concentrations authorized for driving. These same results reveal the absence of sensitization actions, information and research for this risk factor particular by the mass media. Driving while drunk is a real problem for road safety in Algeria which preserves an unclear representation in the society and constitutes a taboo subject which slows down road safety policies. Key words : Alcohol, driving while drunk, driving under influence of alcohol, road safety, Algeria","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70448959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Need for needle and syringe programmes in Africa","authors":"S. Derrick, N. Clark","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.137-144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.137-144","url":null,"abstract":"A narrative review was conducted, drawing on peer reviewed literature and relevant grey literature on injecting drug use in African countries and ethical dilemmas facing harm reduction especially the provision of sterile needles and syringes to injecting drug users. This review aimed at highlighting evidence and the arguments for and against the provision of sterile injecting equipment to people who inject drugs (PWID), and to consider the implications for the African context. The narrative established that high risk injecting drug practices are common among PWID in many African communities, and so are HIV and hepatitis. Current services for this population in Africa are less pragmatic and inadequate. Needle and syringe programmes are both effective and ethical and should be part of the response to injecting drug use in Africa. Key words : Needle and syringe programmes, injecting drug use, ethics, HIV","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence and consequences of substance use among high school and college students in Ethiopia: A review of the literature","authors":"W. Abebe","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.107-118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.107-118","url":null,"abstract":"This paper is an overview of mind-altering substance use among high school and college students in Ethiopia in the past two decades. Alcohol, khat and cigarettes were commonly used by both high school and college students in urban as well as rural areas. While the use patterns of the substances were related to the gender, education/age and religion of the users, no clear-cut patterns were observed in relation to several other factors including geographic locations. Further, cannabis was used in selected high schools, and its abuse prevalence was greater in urban private schools, as it was for alcohol and tobacco use. Students who used khat, alcohol or cigarettes also displayed increased violent behaviours towards women and enhanced sexual activity, with increased risks for negative consequences. However, as a limited number of studies have been reported in the literature, this review provides only limited information on such substance use. Nonetheless, despite this limitation, the review can be a useful source of information for designing future research directions and for considering actions directed towards tackling this important problem. Keywords : alcohol, khat, tobacco, cannabis, students, Ethiopia","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":"107-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The \"War on drugs\" in Nigeria: How effective and beneficial is it in dealing with the problem?","authors":"Se Otu","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.119-135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V12I2.119-135","url":null,"abstract":"Since drugs became both a public and social issue in Nigeria, fear about both the real and imagined catastrophic effects of sale and use has led to a reliance on extreme measures to control supply and discourage demand. The traditional ‘prohibitive’ attitude has been the preferred option in a sustained ‘drug war’. This analysis draws from extant research literature, published documents and media reports on drug policy matters. Although the age-long war on drug policy in Nigeria may be producing some desired results, there is evidence of negative consequences and unresolved issues associated with the war. These issues include economic, crime, human rights, development and security, public health, discrimination and environment. The paper calls for a shift from the over-reliance on law enforcement to harm reduction and treatment for people addicted to drugs. The shift will provide far more cost-effective drug control results and guarantee the rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the U. N. Human Rights Declaration and the constitution of Nigeria. Key words : war on drugs, Nigeria, drug policy, harm reduction","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2013-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles D H Parry, J Phillip Gossage, Anna-Susan Marais, Ronel Barnard, Marlene de Vries, Jason Blankenship, Soraya Seedat, Philip A May
{"title":"COMPARISON OF BASELINE DRINKING PRACTICES, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDES OF ADULTS RESIDING IN COMMUNITIES TAKING PART IN THE FAS PREVENTION STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA.","authors":"Charles D H Parry, J Phillip Gossage, Anna-Susan Marais, Ronel Barnard, Marlene de Vries, Jason Blankenship, Soraya Seedat, Philip A May","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been identified as among the most serious consequences associated with hazardous and harmful drinking in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Community surveys were conducted in two wine growing regions in this province to assess drinking behaviour, guide interventions and serve as a baseline for assessing the impact of population-level interventions. As part of a cross-sectional comparative study interviews were conducted with 384 and 209 randomly selected adults in the prevention (PC) and comparison communities (CC) respectively. Over 80% of respondents resided in urban areas, except in the CC, where 61% of males resided on farms. Symptoms of hazardous or harmful drinking were reported by 16.0% of females and 32.5% of males in the PC, while 19.3% of females and 56.2% of males in the CC reported such drinking. Over two-thirds of respondents indicated that it was equally harmful for a woman to drink during any of the trimesters of pregnancy, but more than 30% of the women interviewed had never had a health worker speak to them about the effects of drinking during pregnancy. Over 10% had never heard of fetal alcohol syndrome. The findings reinforce the need for interventions to address hazardous/harmful use of alcohol in both communities and also to address gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of drinking during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":"11 2","pages":"65-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225715/pdf/nihms564055.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32810999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}