Low utilisation of treatment services among youths with crystal meth use-related problems. Findings from working with Mubatirapamwe, a treatment service provider in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, harmful substance use, coupled with low utilisation of treatment services, is a public health concern. This study sought to explore and measure the various factors responsible for the low utilisation of treatment services among youths using crystal meth in Harare, Zimbabwe. Also, the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services was scrutinised. Methods: Participants were randomly sampled from various urban residential settlements across Harare, living with meth use-related problems and participating in the Mubatirapamwe treatment program. Youths aged between 18-30 years participated in a survey, using the pen and questionnaire self-report method. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: Factors such as stigma and privacy issues, lack of perceived need for change, lack of readiness to change, and financial constraints emerged as some of the most significant deterrents to utilisation of treatment services. The role of biographic and socio-demographic variables such as gender, race, and employment status were examined in the context of utilisation of treatment services. Conclusions: Mobilisation of resources to drive substance use programs, heighten awareness on substance use related matters, and the integration of substance use treatment programs with primary healthcare are key strategies to bridging the treatment gap. Further research is recommended to explore the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services. Recommendations were made for accelerated and expanded research in order to inform practice, by developing context-specific interventions.

Characteristics of drug users admitted in Lido Rehabilitation Center during 2022

“…It can be said that the awareness of meth users to seek for treatment in Lido Rehabilitation Center is probably higher than non-meth users. This result was different to Nyashanu's study stating that the utilization of treatment services among youth with meth use-related problem in Zimbabwe was low [30]. Many barriers play a role in inhibiting a drug user to access treatment, such as stigma and discrimination, information gap, labeling and rejection from the community, lack of perceived treatment efficacy, privacy concerns, lack of resources and support, and denial or not being ready to give up [31].…”

It's like an uncontrollable demon in your body: The lived experiences of youth using crystal meth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Witbank, Mpumalanga

“…In South Africa, where the study took place, several previous and recent studies (Plüddemann, Flisher, McKetin, Parry, & Lombard, [2010]; Nyabadza, Njagarah, & Smith, [2013]; Asante, & Lentoor, [2017]; Davis, & Jansen, [2020]; Nyashanu, Nyashanu, Zawaira, & Zirima, [2022]) have been undertaken to understand the experiences and behaviours of crystal meth users. One of the aforementioned studies based on the caregivers' experiences provides important insights into crystal meth modalities.…”