Causes and Effects of Psychoactive Substance Abuse Among the Youth in Zimbabwe: The Case of Makokoba High Density Suburb, Bulawayo

Abstract

Psychoactive substance abuse has become a pandemic in most parts of the globe. This study sought to assess the contributory factors and impacts of psychoactive substance abuse among the youth in Makokoba—a high-density residential area in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo. A mixed methods research design was used on a sample of 122 respondents who were invited to participate in the study. Data were gathered using questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data, while the qualitative component was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed peer pressure, broken homes, poor parental care, and poverty as the main causes of psychoactive substance abuse among the youth. Development of health problems, violent behaviour, disrespect for the elderly, and teenage pregnancies were considered as the major effects of psychoactive substance abuse. Given the roles that peer pressure and the family environment played in psychoactive substance abuse among the youth, the study recommends family and community-based measures. Close monitoring at the family level in educational and religious institutions as well as socio-economic development are the key prescriptive measures recommended by this study.