Why are Youth Engaged in Substance Use? A Qualitative Study Exploring Substance Use and Risk Factors Among the Youth of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Substance use refers to the use of psychoactive substances such as khat, alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs. Young people are more vulnerable to substance use than older people. Substance use has varying impacts on the health and socio-economics of countries, and is a major public health concern globally. Currently, substance use is a common public health concern among the youth of Ethiopia, mainly in Jimma town. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the substance use and risk factors among the youth of Jimma town in 2019.

Methods

The study was conducted in Jimma town among youth who were engaged in substance use, from March to April 2019. A descriptive qualitative study design was employed and the study participants were acquired using purposive/judgmental sampling techniques. In total, 20 interviews were conducted with young people using in-depth and key informant interview methods. The data were analyzed by using ATLAS.ti version 7. Thematic analyses were performed in order to extract the main themes and categories. Direct quotations were presented with a thick description of the findings.

Results

The findings of this study were discussed under six themes and 12 categories, which emerged from thematic analysis of the data: substance use setting, time and means of distribution, substance-related factors, social and economic factors, individual factors, psychological factors, and legal and policy factors.

Conclusion

The study indicated that khat, alcohol, cigarettes and shisha or water pipes were the most commonly used substances. Different factors that drive the youth to engage in substance use were identified; individual factors, social and economic factors, substance-related factors, and legal and policy factors were most common. Generally, to overcome this problem, the community, lawyers, and policemen should participate in the implementation and enforcement of rules and regulations on substance use. Family should monitor their children and need to act as good role models by avoiding substance use.

Keywords:

• substance use
• youth
• Jimma

Abbreviations

EDHS, Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey; HIV, Human Immune Deficiency Virus; IDI, In-depth Interview; KII, Key Informant Interview; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

Underlying data

Repository: Dataset name. DOI URL

This project contains the following underlying data:

• Data file name. Description

Extended data

Dryad: Exploring substance use and risk factors among youth of Jimma town https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.h9w0vt4hz

This project contains the following extended data:

• English, Afan Oromo and Amharic language interview guides.

• Data are available under the terms of the CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication license.

Ethical Consideration

The study conforms with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.²⁸ Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of Jimma University, College of health sciences. A permission letter was obtained from the Jimma town municipality after the objectives of the study is explained. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants greater than 18 years old. For youths less than 18 years old assent was obtained, and informed consent obtained from their parent or legal guardian. Privacy and confidentiality were ensured throughout the process of the study.

Acknowledgments

First of all, we would like to praise our God for His help in each step of our life and this study. Next, we would like to thank the Jimma University Institute of Health and the Department of Health Behavior and Society for providing us the opportunity to carry out this study. Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to Jimma town municipalities, Jimma town health office, and Jimma town Kebeles, and also to all participants who take part in this study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the conception, study design, execution, and acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation. All authors involved in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.