This article provides an overview of factors contributing to elder abuse and neglect within the informal caregiving setting from the perspective of ecological theory. This theory offers a deeper understanding of the complexity of elder abuse by considering the interactions that take place across a number of interrelated systems as well as the multiple risk factors that contribute to elder abuse and neglect. Researchers, policy makers and practitioners need to develop awareness of the risk factors regarding elder abuse and neglect, and to develop appropriate interventions in response to elder abuse and neglect.

In southern Africa, the use of alcohol is increasingly seen as creating a context of risk for HIV transmission. This qualitative study investigates the links between alcohol use and higher-risk sexual behaviours in a remote southern Namibian mining-town community. Using data from six focus groups and 16 in-depth interviews conducted in 2008, the researchers investigated knowledge of the link between alcohol consumption and HIV risk, focusing on the specific mechanisms related to drinking and higher-risk sexual behaviours. Although knowledge regarding HIV and alcohol was high among the mineworkers and other community members, the social structure of a remote mining town appears to lead to high levels of alcohol use and higher-risk sexual behaviours. The heavy use of alcohol acts as an accelerant to these behaviours, including as a source of fortitude for those with an intention to engage in casual sexual partnerships or multiple concurrent partnerships, and as a cause for those behaviours for people who may otherwise intend to avoid them. The findings suggest a need for HIV-prevention programmes that focus more holistically on HIV and AIDS and alcohol use, as well as the need for structural changes to mining-town communities in order to reduce the likelihood of both heavy alcohol use as well as a high prevalence of higher-risk sexual behaviours.

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AIM: This research project aimed at exploring the views of secondary school teachers and hostel matrons on the landscape of substance abuse amongst the youth at a border town situated in the northern region of Namibia. METHOD: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with secondary school teachers and hostel matrons, selected by means of a purposive sampling method from five schools representing state schools and private schools. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Namibia’s ethical approval committee, whilst permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Namibia.  Participation was voluntary and based on informed consent. FINDINGS: The themes identified in the study were amongst others; the types of substances used by the youth, the use of substances on school premises and easy access/availability of substances. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that substance abuse seems to be normalised in the community because of the excessive availability of alcohol in the community. The need for law enforcement and law reform as well as prevention programmes at all levels of society is highlighted.

The proximity and density of alcohol outlets are positively associated with drinking patterns and increase in alcohol consumption resulting in deviant behaviors such as excessive drinking, risky sexual behaviors, violent and crime in communities. This study was aimed at identifying and assessing the proximity, density of alcohol outlets as a risk factor to potential behavioral influence amongst the youth in a border town in the northern region of Namibia. The study was qualitative in nature and used ethnographic design in order to describe the proximity and density of alcohol outlets. Data was collected through unobtrusive observation method and analyzed by means of content analysis. The researchers used field notes to capture data observed. Eco-systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for this study. The study found out that there were quite a number of shebeens in close proximity of educational establishments, churches, public roads and residential areas which contribute to easy accessibility of alcohol by youth in and out of school. Various themes emerged from the study such as closeness of alcohol outlets to schools and churches and residential areas, mushrooming of shebeens, children and youth spending time at shebeens and Drunkenness. The study concluded that the closeness of alcohol establishments to residential areas, churches and schools influence drinking behaviors of people residing in these areas. Equally important, the more alcohol outlets in the environment, the higher the alcohol consumption which results in deviant behaviors and excessive drinking.