Exploring the causal factors of alcohol misuse amongst youth in communities and the effects on families

Abstract

Alcohol misuse has become deeply embedded and present throughoutsocieties and increasingly among youth members. While the youth are regarded as key agents for social and political change, as well as cultural and economic development, it is evident that they endure a vast spectrum of challenges, which leads them to make negative lifestyle choices which, in turn, has effects on their families and communities in a detrimental manner. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the causal factors of alcohol misuse among the youth and the effects it has on families. The objectives of the study were: i) to explore and describe the causal factors of alcohol misuse among vulnerable youth (18–24 years) in communities, ii) to explore and determine the effects of alcohol misuse of youth on families, iii) to identify the social work services rendered to youth who misuse alcohol and the support services rendered to families. Bronfenbrenner’s (1974) ecological systems theory was used to contextualise the study. This study employs a phenomenological research design through semi-structured interviews and focus-group data collection methods. The research setting to conduct this study comprised of communities within the Cape Metropole area, which were: Bonteheuwel, Athlone, Heideveld, Valhallah Park, and Mitchells Plain. In these areas organisations such as NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs), Non-Profit organisations (NPOs) and Department of Social Development (DSD) were approached with a letter of permission to source and access participants. Participants included ten (10) youths with whom in-depth individual interviews were conducted. Then individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten (10) family members affected by youths misusing alcohol.