Substance Abuse, Psychosocial Functioning and Support Systems among Youths in Mbare High-Density Suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe

Drug and substance abuse among youths in Mbare high-density suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe, has reached alarming levels, with serious consequences for psychological well-being and social functioning. Despite the scale of the problem, there is a severe shortage of localized, empirical evidence that systematically examines the psychosocial functioning effects of substance abuse and the role of support systems within this specific community context. This study therefore seeks to assess the psychosocial functioning effects of drug and substance abuse among youths aged 15–24 in Mbare and to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of existing support systems. Specifically, the study aims to identify the types, patterns and prevalence of substances abused; to assess the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety among substance-using youths; to examine the relationship between substance abuse and social functioning across family, educational and community domains; and to evaluate formal and informal support systems available to affected youths. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both statistical patterns and lived experiences. A sample of youths aged 15–24 residing in Mbare will be selected through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data will be analysed thematically. The expected contribution of the study is a localized, evidence-based framework that informs policymakers, mental health practitioners and community organizations in designing integrated, context-sensitive interventions for substance-abusing youths in urban high-density settings in Zimbabwe.

substance abuse, psychosocial functioning, youths, support systems, Mbare

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