The effectiveness of parenting programmes in preventing substances abuse in adolescents: a scoping review
Date
2019
Authors
Van Gass, Hester
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Abstract
Background: Substance abuse among adolescents is a major public health concern and is often linked to poverty, child neglect, peer pressure and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Substance abuse can also lead to social, intellectual and mental health problems, which can be a burden for families, communities and society in general, given the fact that the services provided by rehabilitation centres are expensive and do not always have the desired health outcomes. Literature reveals that positive parenting and a caring relationship with a parent both decrease the risk of substance abuse during adolescence. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the effectiveness of parenting programmes in the prevention of adolescent use, misuse and abuse of substances. Method: The design for this study comprised a scoping review based on the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005).The framework consisted of the following steps: Identification of the research question as well as relevant studies. Charting/mapping of data in the relevant format. Collating, summarising, and reporting of results. Consultation if the need arose. Use of primary keywords to search databases for relevant articles on studies that have been conducted. Seven relevant articles were sourced. Findings: Themes emanating from the study were - effective recruitment, retention and participation, parent-adolescent communication regarding drug use, family functioning, barriers to participation, parental qualities, and effectiveness in a parenting programme to acquire these qualities. Conclusion: The evidence from the studies indicate that parenting programmes have the potential to help prevent the use or abuse of substances in adolescence.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing (Course work) Johannesburg 2019