Non-Governmental Organisations Personnel, Social Workers and Religious Leaders’ Perspectives on the Risk Factors of Alcohol Abuse Amongst the Youth: The Case of the Northern Region of the Republic of Namibia

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of Non-Governmental Organisations personnel, social workers and religious leaders on the risk factors of alcohol abuse amongst youth in the Northern region of the Republic of Namibia. In order to pursue this aim, a multiple case study design was used. Substance abuse is a predominant social and health problem which calls the attention of different partners from different disciplines across the globe to address it. Substance abuse, in particular, alcohol abuse is a global concern particularly amongst youth. Youth indulge in alcohol abuse due to numerous risk factors. Semi-structured interviews were used with Non-Governmental Organisations personnel, religious leaders and social workers who were purposively selected. Findings revealed familial, the environmental and community based and socio-economic factors as predisposing youth at Oshikango to indulge in alcohol abuse. It is therefore concluded that there are lot of opportunities at the Northern region of Namibia which predispose youth to engage in alcohol abuse. Thus, stakeholders need to develop integrated strategies to fight the abuse of alcohol amongst youth in the Northern region of Namibia.

Alcohol Use among High School Learners in the Peri-Urban Areas, South Africa: A Descriptive Study on Accessibility, Motivations and Effects

“…Learners also consumed alcohol at parties, friend’s places, clubs and communities. These findings confirm ease of alcohol access by learners both around schools and in the communities, consistent with studies conducted in South Africa [ 21 , 24 , 31 ] and other countries [ 39 , 59 , 60 ]. Hasheena et al [ 28 ], reported that 62% of grade 8 learners, 81% of grade 10 learners and 92% of grade 12 learners reported that alcohol was easily accessible to them in Namibia.…”

“…Hasheena et al [ 28 ], reported that 62% of grade 8 learners, 81% of grade 10 learners and 92% of grade 12 learners reported that alcohol was easily accessible to them in Namibia. Studies have reported that the more alcohol outlets within school vicinity and in the communities, the more likely youths will engage in drinking alcohol, and this has been reported in countries such as South Africa [ 21 , 24 , 31 ], Namibia [ 39 ], Brazil [ 59 ] and Canada [ 60 ]. Therefore, the wide availability of alcohol outlets around schools and the lack of regulating policies contribute to the normalisation of alcohol use [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…Therefore, personal motivations and perceived social norms influence adolescent alcohol use [ 34 ]; it can be deduced that most adolescents consume alcohol as a result of the pleasure, peer group, and family influence [ 34 , 36 ]. In addition to South Africa [ 17 , 37 ], studies in other countries, such as Israel [ 38 ], Namibia [ 28 , 39 ], and Spain [ 36 ] have confirmed drinking motives and influences of significant persons among adolescents.…”

Perceptions of church leaders on accessibility and affordability of alcohol abuse amongst youth in Musina Town, Limpopo province

“…In other words, family has the role to mentor and teach young people to not engage in excessive drinking. However, in most rural areas, young people grow up in families that excessively abuse alcohol and youths see that as an acceptable behaviour (Rapholo et al 2019). According to Matlakala et al (2019b), youths lack role models and discipliners as they indulge in alcohol abuse with their parents.…”

“…This assumption is supported by Rapholo et al (2019) who averred that young people need to be vigilant when choosing friends.…”