Leepile Sehularo
North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa
Title: A substance use prevention programme focusing on resilience as a protective factor for adolescents in the North-West Province of South Africa
Biography
Biography: Leepile Sehularo
Abstract
Adolescents’ substance use needs to be identified and addressed as soon as possible and substance use among adolescents needs to be prevented. The purpose of this study was to develop a substance use prevention programme focusing on resilience as a protective factor for adolescents in the North West Province of South Africa. The programme was developed based on the results of systematic review and qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research. A conceptual framework was used to guide the researcher to link the results of systematic review and qualitative research with the programme. The survey list of the Practice Oriented Theory was used as a guide for development of a conceptual framework and the programme. The findings of this study confirmed the content of the programme, and indicate that the programme to prevent substance use among adolescents should focus on strengthening adolescents’ resilience and on mobilizing protective factors. This programme adds important knowledge and practice guidelines to the field of psychiatry and mental health. Recommendations were made for implementation of the programme.