Substance use and abuse in marginalised communities in the City of Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic
Keywords:
substance abuse, COVID-19 pandemic, contraband, marginalised communities, marginalized communities, alcoholAbstract
Purpose: This study explored the substance use and abuse experiences of youth living in marginalised communities in the City of Cape Town, South Africa, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subject and Methodology: This qualitative study included 17 participants who were attending a community-based health clinic. They were recruited using snowball sampling. Data was collected using both individual as well as semis-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for data analysis. Findings: The study reports on the types, quality of, availability and frequency of drugs used during the lockdown period of the pandemic. The ban on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol during the lockdown period led to steep increases in price on the black market. In contrast, illicit drugs were easily available during the lockdown period, with no increase in price. Participants also reported on sources of income for the payment of drugs during the pandemic, ineffective law enforcement of lockdown regulations, as well as inadequate community services and support provided during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implication: Additionally, they reported on their lived experiences of harsh socio- economic conditions which are related to substance abuse. Participants also made a number of recommendations to improve support services in addressing the substance abuse challenges faced by marginalised communities. Originality: This study highlights the complex interplay of a number of factors related to substance abuse. These include socio-economic inequity, access to adequate quality support and the exacerbating impact of a significant event such as the COVID-19 pandemic
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