Conceptualizing Health-Seeking Behavior among Adolescents and Youth with Substance Use Disorder in Urban KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

In a setting where substance use is rife, understanding contextual factors that influence an individual’s perceived eligibility to seek rehabilitation is paramount. The study explores how situational factors influence an individual’s perceived eligibility for healthcare uptake in people with substance use disorder (SUD). Using qualitative methods, the study draws on in-depth interviews with 20 substance users and 20 family members to unpack how individuals with SUD negotiate their eligibility for health services. Findings show that substance users are aware of their substance use habits and acknowledge their eligibility for health services with information on the navigation of health services is shared by peers and family members. Access and use of health services is hindered by individual determinants and the availability of health services for substance users, such as rehabilitation centers. The hunt for drugs and long waiting queues for health service acquisition overshadows substance users’ claim to health services. Future research should prioritize understanding substance use and health seeking behavior at a context specific level in community settings so that, even in the absence of substance use health facilities, substance use is addressed at least from a harm reduction perspective which can improve health outcomes.

Keywords:

• Substance use
• candidacy
• health-seeking behavior
• health services
• addiction
• substance use disorder (SUD)

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge and thank the community of Inanda, particularly the community of Congo, for taking an interest in the study and sharing their stories and experiences of substance use in the community. A special thank you is also extended to participants who agreed to refer the author to prospective participants. Finally, the author acknowledges the assistance from Nosipho Mazibuko and Sphumelele Hlongwane for sorting study notes and the translation of interview notes.

Ethical Approval

This study underwent an ethics application process as provided by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ethical clearance was granted on January 28, 2022, with protocol reference number HSSREC/00003567/2021.

Consent Form

Written informed consent was obtained before data collection from the participant. Since none of the participants were below the consenting age, all those who were able to provide consent were immediately enrolled in the study.

Author Contributions

S.H. conducted the study and initiated the draft manuscript. Pm supervised the study and refined the manuscript. Both authors finalized the manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

Research data can be made available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The study reports no funding was obtained to carry out this work. Work was undertaken in fulfillment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated agency of the authors.

Notes on contributors

Sphesihle Hlongwane

Sphesihle Hlongwane is a master’s graduate and PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and currently works as a Research Professional at the Africa Health Research Institute.

Pranitha Maharaj

Pranitha Maharaj is a Professor and South African Research Chair in Economic Development at the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.