Browsing by Author "Brink, Megan Lee"

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    A mixed methods study to explore and describe free time experience and substance use amongst youth who have dropped out of school in Cape Town
    (University of the Western Cape, 2020) Brink, Megan Lee; Wegner, Lisa
    School dropout particularly amongst youth living in impoverished areas is a major concern in South Africa because of limited opportunities and resources. Therefore, these youth may experience leisure boredom, engage in sensation seeking and other risky behaviours, such as substance use, which influences their health and wellbeing. However, little research has explored youth who have dropped out of school with a specific focus on their free time experience and use of substances.
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    A mixed methods study to explore and describe free time experience and substance use amongst youth who have dropped out of school in cape town
    (University of the Western Cape, 2020) Brink, Megan Lee; Wegner, Lisa
    School dropout particularly amongst youth living in impoverished areas is a major concern in South Africa because of limited opportunities and resources. Therefore, these youth may experience leisure boredom, engage in sensation seeking and other risky behaviours, such as substance use, which influences their health and wellbeing. However, little research has explored youth who have dropped out of school with a specific focus on their free time experience and use of substances. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe free time experience and substance use amongst youth who have dropped out of school in Cape Town. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study with two phases including quantitative (Phase one) and qualitative (Phase two) was conducted. In Phase one, data from an existing dataset was analysed. The data were from 970 youth who had dropped out of school in Cape Town who had completed the HealthWise Risk Behaviour Survey in 2016. Descriptive statistics regarding the use of free time and the prevalence of substance use were computed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. In Phase two, thirty-two participants were selected using convenience sampling who took part in one of four focus group discussions to explore in-depth the results computed in Phase one of the study. Steps were taken to enhance the validity, reliability and trustworthiness of the data.
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    “We are the Peace Team”: Exploring transformation among previously gang involved young men in Cape Town
    (Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2018) Wegner, Lisa; Brink, Megan Lee; Jonkers, Maliekah; Henn, Rita; Mampies, Shandre; Stemmet, Roxanne Lee
    INTRODUCTION: Many young men in South Africa belong to gangs which has negative consequences for individuals and society. Disengaging from a gang is difficult as it requires transformation; however, little is known about transformation in previously gang-involved youth. This study therefore aimed at exploring the experiences of transformation through occupational engagement in a group of young men who were previously involved in gangs. The objectives were to explore the young men’s experiences of how occupational engagement facilitated, and sustained, their transformation to an ex-gang lifestyle, and the challenges which they faced. METHODS: In this descriptive, qualitative study, ten young men who were previously involved in gangs and subsequently became part of a group called the “Peace Team” participated in four focus groups. Data obtained were analysed thematically. FINDINGS: The first theme “There’s that sense of change” depicted the participants’ experiences and perceptions about their transformation out of gangs. The second theme “We are the Peace Team” showed that belonging to the Peace Team facilitated and sustained transformation as this provided opportunities to engage in non-deviant, pro-social occupations. The third theme “We will be the change” depicted the participants’ perceptions that change started with themselves and then spread to others. Challenges included the social and emotional ties to the gang and threats to personal safety. CONCLUSION: The study provided insight into the transformation that takes place as young men disengage from gangs. Occupational therapists could create opportunities for supportive development through occupational engagement to assist young men to disengage from gangs and transform their lives.