Alcohol and other drug use patterns and services in an integrated refugee settlement in Northern Zambia: a formative research study

Conflict and Health

Research

Henry Loongo¹  Bertha Bwalya¹  Allan Zulu¹  M. Claire Greene²  Stephanie Haddad²  Megan Sienkiewicz²  Jeremy C. Kane²  Grace Kilbane²  Kristina Metz³  Ravi Paul⁴  Namuchana Mushabati⁵  Princess Chiluba⁵  Nkumbu Mtongo⁵  Veronica Chibemba⁵  Muzi Kamanga⁵  Mildred Chibwe⁵  Mbaita Shawa⁵  Zaliwe Banda⁶ 

[1] CARE Zambia, PO Box 36238, Lusaka, Zambia;Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA;Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA;School of Medicine, University of Zambia, University Teaching Hospital, PO Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia;Women in Law and Development in Africa, PO Box 31456, Lusaka, Zambia;Zambia Ministry of Health, PO Box 30205, Lusaka, Zambia;

关键词: Refugees;    Displaced persons;    Zambia;    Alcohol use;    Drug use;    Formative research;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13031-023-00538-5

 received in 2023-04-28, accepted in 2023-08-15,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundEvidence on patterns of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and how to effectively deliver services to address AOD use in humanitarian settings is limited. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the patterns of AOD use among Congolese refugees in Mantapala Refugee Settlement and members of the surrounding host community and identify potential appropriate intervention and implementation approaches to address AOD use disorders among conflict-affected populations.MethodsFifty free listing interviews, 25 key informant interviews, and four focus group discussions were conducted among refugees, host community members, humanitarian implementing agency staff, and refugee incentive workers. These participants were selected based on their knowledge of AOD use and related problems in the settlement and the surrounding host community in northern Zambia.ResultsCannabis and home-brewed alcohol were the substances that were perceived to be most commonly used and have the greatest impact on the community. Participants reported that self-medication, boredom, and relief of daily stressors associated with lack of housing, safety, and employment were reasons that people used AODs. Participants recommended that programming include components to address the underlying causes of AOD use, such as livelihood activities. Stigma due to the criminalization of and societal ideals and religious beliefs regarding AOD use was identified as a substantial barrier to accessing and seeking treatment.ConclusionsOur study’s findings indicate the need for services to address AOD use in Mantapala Refugee Settlement. Interventions should consider the social and structural determinants of AOD use.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2023