The state of methamphetamine ('tik') use among youth in the Western Cape, South Africa
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine use among youth in the Western Cape Province of South Africa has increased at alarming rates over the
past decade. Although current estimates of youth use exist, they range from 2% to 12%.
OBJECTIVES To identify (i) the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Western Cape youth and (ii) the association between use and known
risk factors for methamphetamine use.
METHODS Data were obtained from 10 000 Western Cape Province Grade 8 learners in 54 secondary schools (mean age 14.0 years).
Prevalence was descriptively reported while risk factors for past-month use were modelled in a hierarchical logistic regression with demographic,
socioeconomic status, substance use, sexual activity and relationship predictors.
RESULTS Approximately 5% (n=496) of learners had used methamphetamine within their lifetime. Of these users, 65% (n=322) had used in
the past month or week. Compared to never users, past-month users were more likely to be male, less likely to have a present or partially
present mother, less likely to live in an apartment/flat/brick house, more likely to have used alcohol and tobacco and more likely to report
having a same-sex partner.
CONCLUSION Results replicate previously known methamphetamine risk factors and highlight the need to address methamphetamine use in
comprehensive prevention initiatives.
Description
Keywords
Tik, Methamphetamine, Youth, Western Cape, South Africa
Citation
Weybright, E. H. et al. (2016). The state of methamphetamine ('tik') use among youth in the Western Cape, South Africa. South African Medical Journal, 106(11): 1125-1128