An assessment of peer dynamics and parental influence on substance Abuse in youths of Mpatamatu, Luanshya district: A cross-section study

Abstract

Substance abuse among youth is a growing global concern, particularly in low-income and developing regions. In Zambia, like in many other parts of the world, adolescent substance abuse has emerged as a pressing issue with long-term implications for public health, education, and social development. Mpatamatu, a residential area in Luanshya, Zambia, faces a rising incidence of substance abuse among its youth. This research aims to assess the influence of peer dynamics and parental relationships on substance abuse behaviours in this community. Substance abuse during adolescence can be a consequence of various factors, but peer pressure and parental influence have been identified as two of the most significant contributors. Peer influence involves the impact that friends or peers have on an individual’s decision-making process, while parental influence pertains to how family relationships, values, and behaviours shape youth attitudes toward substances. Understanding these dynamics in the context of Mpatamatu can provide insights into the root causes of substance abuse and inform effective interventions.