Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our study explores the potential of positive parental involvement in preventing drug and substance misuse among young people in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: We adopted a qualitative approach to explore the role of positive parental involvement in preventing drug and substance misuse. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with purposively sampled young people, parents/caregivers and key informants. SETTING: The study was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe, in a suburb known as Highfield. Highfield is a high-density suburb located in the southern part of the capital city. PARTICIPANTS: The participants for the study included young people (n=15), aged 16 years and older, with or without a history of drug and substance misuse; parents/caregivers (n=15), aged 18 years and older, experiencing drug and substance misuse in the household or community and key informants (n=10), aged 18 years and older, knowledgeable about drug and substance misuse. INTERVENTION: The study aimed to explore the potential of positive parental involvement in preventing drug and substance misuse among young people in Zimbabwe. RESULTS: We established several strategies for positive parental involvement in preventing drug and substance misuse. Parents should be unequivocal and set clear rules within the family that they do not condone the misuse of drugs and substances. However, this should be done in an environment that allows young people to share their views and opinions. Parents should also consistently monitor the actions and behaviours of their children. This is key in establishing signs of early indulgence in drug and substance misuse, allowing activation of appropriate support and care. Most young people are not aware of the dangers of drug and substance misuse; hence, parents need to raise awareness. Barriers to positive parental involvement include absenteeism of parents due to livelihood demands, making it difficult to enforce consistent supervision, as well as the lack of skills to engage young people in a way that enhances their appreciation of the effects of drug and substance misuse. However, initiatives like parenting programmes can potentially equip parents with the requisite skills that are needed to be able to steer young people away from drug and substance misuse. CONCLUSIONS: Positive parental involvement is key in preventing drug and substance misuse by young people. However, positive parental involvement should be complemented by community efforts in the form of drug-intolerant communities.