Contributing Risk Factors for Substance Use Among Youth in Postconflict Liberia

Petruzzi, Liana; Pullen, Samuel J.; Lange, Brittany C. L.; Parnarouskis, Lindsey; Dómínguez, Silvia; Harris, Brian; Quiterio, Nicole; Lekpeh, G. Gondah; Manobah, Burgess; Henderson, David C.; Borba, Christina P.C.

doi:10.1177/1049732318761863

Cited by 19 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 45 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Six articles 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 (28.57%) focused on adolescent substance use, assessing both rates and associated behaviours stemming from substance use. Harris et al sampled secondary school students in Monrovia and found that alcohol was the commonly used substance, additionally reporting that marijuana was more frequently used by older respondents (19 years and above) and by males.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Harris et al sampled secondary school students in Monrovia and found that alcohol was the commonly used substance, additionally reporting that marijuana was more frequently used by older respondents (19 years and above) and by males. 10 Other authors 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 described risk factors associated with adolescent substance use and identified the following variables: participation in war, forced drug use, peer influence (including bullying and peer pressure), sexual behaviours and sexual violence, emotional instability, gender, fear of academic failure, accessibility to substances, poverty and unintentional drug use. Conversely, a main protective factor against initiation of substance use included school attendance 16 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Areas of recommended future research include exploration of cultural factors related to substance use 11 , 16 and focus on the use of substances in school settings. 16 Suggested interventions include increased training on treatments for substance use for practitioners, 14 education for students related to minimising risk from sexual activity and substance use, 15 access to alternative recreational activities 13 and focus on the role of peers in adoption of risky behaviours. 12 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is known that adolescents exposed to violence and conflict are more likely to engage in substance use, 39 , 40 and this same pattern appears to be true in Liberia. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 Substance use disorders (SUDs), when comorbid with other mental conditions, may result in worsened physical and mental health. 41 , 42 As some Liberian youth may already face heightened risk of psychiatric disorders, it is necessary to continue monitoring prevalence of use, risky substance use, and protective factors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Current state of the literature on mental health in Liberia: A systematic review

Hook¹,

Ando²,

Ghebrehiwet³

et al. 2020

S. Afr. J. Psych.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The Republic of Liberia recently experienced several events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts, including long-term civil war and an outbreak of Ebola. These types of events are linked to higher prevalence of mental disorders and psychosocial distress. As a result, it is likely that there is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders in the population.Aim: To assess and review the recent mental health literature in order to provide insight into existing mental health needs and effective or recommended interventions in post-conflict Liberia.Setting: Articles included in this study enrolled Liberians living in Liberia.Methods: A search of four databases was conducted for studies of any type that assessed mental health in Liberia between 01 January 2003 and 27 March 2019. After reviewing 363 articles, 21 articles were included in the final analysis. Articles were coded to identify common themes and needs.Results: The majority of studies used qualitative designs and were conducted in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. Common topics included adolescent mental health, intervention and assessment and post-conflict impacts. One article focused on mental health impacts after recovery from Ebola.Conclusion: Overall, there is a dearth of mental health literature that focuses on Liberia. This suggests ample opportunity for researchers to investigate mental health needs amongst the Liberian population and effective psychiatric interventions. Existing recommendations often focus on addressing adolescent health needs, including substance use practices. Opportunities for future research particularly related to needs of adult populations and to mental health impacts of Ebola, abound.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Current state of the literature on mental health in Liberia: A systematic review

Hook¹,

Ando²,

Ghebrehiwet³

et al. 2020

S. Afr. J. Psych.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In Liberia, Petruzzi (2018) posits that exposure to substance abuse has risks such as emotional instability, academic failure, and community poverty. Although the study was not directly linked to PTSD, it shows that alcohol abuse, irrespective of its causes, was closely linked to success in poverty at individual and community levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of PTSD Associated Alcohol Abuse on Social Economic Status among Youth in Kenya: A Systematic Review

Nzioka¹,

Theuri²

2021

SCIMUNDI

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The issue of alcohol abuse in Kenya is deeply rooted and continues to affect the well-being of youthful population. A study conducted in 2018, an estimated 45-50% alcohol-abusing youth in Kiambu County had post-traumatic stress disorder. The main purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize existing literature articles on the effects of PTSD associated Alcohol Abuse in Kenya’s context. The review shows that PSTD related to alcohol abuse, though not well studied in Kenya is a real challenge facing the youth. It affects their learning processes and their transition to colleges and other institutions of higher learning. Alcohol abuse also affects employment prospects for the youth and leads to impoverishment. It also challenges the productivity and entrepreneurial capacities of these youth; leading to further impoverishment and reduced socioeconomic prospects. On the basis of these findings, it is pertinent to come up with psychosocial support mechanisms for alcohol abusers suffering from PSTD. The government should put in place funding strategies for the rehabilitation of youth suffering from PSTD. Also, government empowerment programmes in Kenya should ensure that the youth with PSTD related alcohol abuse can access funding to enhance their socioeconomic status.

show abstract

Substance Use Among Refugee and Conflict-Affected Children and Adolescents

Greene

Kane

2020

Child, Adolescent and Family Refugee Mental Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Contributing Risk Factors for Substance Use Among Youth in Postconflict Liberia

Cited by 19 publications

References 45 publications

Current state of the literature on mental health in Liberia: A systematic review

Current state of the literature on mental health in Liberia: A systematic review

Effects of PTSD Associated Alcohol Abuse on Social Economic Status among Youth in Kenya: A Systematic Review

Substance Use Among Refugee and Conflict-Affected Children and Adolescents

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About