Youth Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS in Adama Town
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The magnitude a/substance abuse and HIVIAIDS pandemics is ever increasing alld has brought
multidimensional challenges. among youths in particular, and entire nations in general.
However, dala regarding the contribution of substance abuse to the spread of HIVIAIDS is
scanty in Ethiopia.
This study was conducted 10 explore youth substance abuse and HIVIAIDS in Adamo Town. To
this end, the following research questions were raised: I) What is lite magnitude of substance abuse
among youth? 2) What jactors trigger young people 10 resort 10 substance abuse? 3) What is tlte effect of
substance abuse, especially its contributio" /0 the spread of HIVIAfDS? The study was based on 81
days a/fieldwork using questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, observation, 6 Focus Group
Discussions and 5 case histories.
The findings showed that different types of substances (chat, alcohol, shisha, tobacco, cannabis
and inhalants) are abused either separately or in combination, 10 a great extent among youths
(15-29 years old). Particularly, Catha edulis (chat) plays initiating role in cal/sing youths 10
further ,ake other substances. The substances are either locally available or imported.
The youth are indulged in substance abuse for different reasons. Merton's anomie theory;
Lindesmith's theory of addiction; and sub cultural pallerns and drug abuse model are therefore
employed 10 comprehend the factors that (rigger the youth to substance abuse and the
subsequent ramifications. Accordingly the study identified major reasons for abusing substances
such as peer influence, psychological, and socioeconomic factors.
Most abusers began consuming habit-forming substances at early ages when they were unable to
differentiate between good and bad. Some substance abusing practices have ceremonies and
processes that sometimes pave the way for sexual intercourse. Most often youth substance
abusers indulge in unsafe sexual intercourse after they abuse substances.
Psychological and social problems, economic crisis, and health problems are some of the effects
that stem from substance abuse. Moreover, abusing substances could aggral'ate the spread of
HIVIAIDS. The efforts made by some organizations to reduce the rampal1l prevalence of
substance abuse and lheir adverse impacts are diametrically incompatible with the magnitude of
the problem. Therefore, on the basis of Ihe findings, the researcher recommends creating job
opportunities, increasing awareness and recreational facilities, and avoiding stigma and
discrimination towards youth substance abusers and AIDS patients.
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Keywords
HIV/AIDS in Adama Town