Abstract
Background
Although family support is viewed as a norm in many African settings, the increasing individualization that has permeated most globalizing societies has led to the disintegration of the social fabric that held families and communities together . Currently, notable dynamics exist in how relatives, friends, neighbors, and communities engage with family caregivers of youth with substance use disorders in Zambia . There is a ‘skeptical engagement’ with family caregivers of youth in recovery from SUDs, that emanates from the actual and perceived threat these youth pose to people around them . This scenario has resulted in the relational world of FCGs being fraught with skepticism from family relatives and those in their neighborhoods . Most people have reservations regarding the sanity and recovery of a chaotic young person, whose recovery trajectory is characterized by relapses and inappropriate behavior that is difficult to handle. With diminishing social capital, weakening familial ties, and a limited supportive presence, family caregivers experience difficulties, poor social relationships, and perpetual anxiety about the future of their youth, which negatively affects both their mental and physical health.
Methodology
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and subjective meanings of 30 FCGs using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The first interview involved the creation of a caregiving timeline, and a follow-up interview captured the caregiver identity, the youth’s behavioral and mental changes over time, experience of healthcare service use, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
Results/Policy implications
Most FCGs of youth with SUDs, particularly female caregivers without a spouse, experience abandonment by family relatives, who distance themselves from the caregiving role . Findings show that the fear of violent attacks, theft, and transference of delinquent behavior are among reasons for the ‘skeptical engagement’ and limited interaction with FCGs . Increased community awareness of SUDs as a chronic condition and support for family caregivers is needed
Although family support is viewed as a norm in many African settings, the increasing individualization that has permeated most globalizing societies has led to the disintegration of the social fabric that held families and communities together . Currently, notable dynamics exist in how relatives, friends, neighbors, and communities engage with family caregivers of youth with substance use disorders in Zambia . There is a ‘skeptical engagement’ with family caregivers of youth in recovery from SUDs, that emanates from the actual and perceived threat these youth pose to people around them . This scenario has resulted in the relational world of FCGs being fraught with skepticism from family relatives and those in their neighborhoods . Most people have reservations regarding the sanity and recovery of a chaotic young person, whose recovery trajectory is characterized by relapses and inappropriate behavior that is difficult to handle. With diminishing social capital, weakening familial ties, and a limited supportive presence, family caregivers experience difficulties, poor social relationships, and perpetual anxiety about the future of their youth, which negatively affects both their mental and physical health.
Methodology
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and subjective meanings of 30 FCGs using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The first interview involved the creation of a caregiving timeline, and a follow-up interview captured the caregiver identity, the youth’s behavioral and mental changes over time, experience of healthcare service use, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
Results/Policy implications
Most FCGs of youth with SUDs, particularly female caregivers without a spouse, experience abandonment by family relatives, who distance themselves from the caregiving role . Findings show that the fear of violent attacks, theft, and transference of delinquent behavior are among reasons for the ‘skeptical engagement’ and limited interaction with FCGs . Increased community awareness of SUDs as a chronic condition and support for family caregivers is needed
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 27 Jun 2023 |
| Event | XX ISA World Congress of Sociology: Resurgent Authoritarianism: The Sociology of New Entanglements of Religions, Politics, and Economies - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia Duration: 25 Jun 2023 → 1 Jul 2023 Conference number: XX https://www.isa-sociology.org/en/conferences/world-congress/melbourne-2023 |
Conference
| Conference | XX ISA World Congress of Sociology: Resurgent Authoritarianism: The Sociology of New Entanglements of Religions, Politics, and Economies |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ISA 2023 World Congress |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 25/06/23 → 1/07/23 |
| Internet address |
