An investigation of the opinions of black adolescents in the Esikhawini area of Kwa-Zulu in regard to the use and abuse of alcohol.
This paper discusses the investigation of opinions of black adolescents living in Esikhawini Township near Empangeni in regard to alcohol use and abuse among black youth. The reasons black adolescents give for drinking and their perceptions of social, psychological and environmental factors contributing to alcohol use among black adolescents, are also discussed. The methodology employed was a descriptive survey. Data gathering was from the adolescents or pupils aged 12 years to 19 years, who attended the two Senior Secondary School in the Esikhawini Township. The results indicate that both sexes of black adolescents have positive attitudes about drinking alcohol. They say nothing is wrong with it. The peer group is seen as the natural environment for drinking and they give numerous reasons for drinking alcohol. They have misconceptions that they will outgrow drinking of alcohol. They claim that they have easy access to alcoholic beverages in the black township of Esikhawini. The only negative aspect expressed by black adolescents was that it was awful to see a young person drunk, but they do not seem to relate the drunk behaviour with the drinking that leads to it. Finally the following implications are drawn: It is necessary to develop targeted community health education programmes aimed at peer group drinking. The education programmes should be planned and implemented to correct the reasons and excuses adolescents have about drinking. These education programmes need to be evaluated periodically to assess their effect.
Nkonzo-Mtembu
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D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control; D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D013019:South Africa