Maladaptive Coping
THE ASSOCIATION OF ADOLESCENT SMOKING WITH STRESS AND COPING IN PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOLS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Oscar Reno O’Hara
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health (Health Policy and Management). Johannesburg, 2008.
DECLARATION I declare that this research report is my own unaided work. It is being submitted for the degree of Master of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted for any other degree at Wits, nor at any other university, before. I have not fabricated data or falsified results and no portions or elements of another person’s work have been taken as my own. Credits accurately reflect the individuals, organizations and/or institutions concerned.
………………………………………………………… 16th September ………..day of……………………..2008
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DEDICATION
To all the youth and the children of the universe…preserve and celebrate your natural gift of youthfulness, strength and good health. As the days unfold on your life’s journey, remember that the world is waiting for you to bring fourth all that you are, in the way that only you can. You hold the key to your own destiny and you hold a promise for a healthier generation and planet- a better future for yourself and your own children.
iii
ABSTRACT Adolescent substance use is associated with a number of pressing problems on the public health agenda, including an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, violence-related injuries, depression, homicide, sexual assault, and accidental death. Teenage substance use remains high in South Africa, with a prevalence of smoking and alcohol binge-drinking estimated at 18.5% and 23% respectively. A previous quantitative cross-sectional analysis of data from a study cohort
Oscar Reno O’Hara
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health (Health Policy and Management). Johannesburg, 2008.
DECLARATION I declare that this research report is my own unaided work. It is being submitted for the degree of Master of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted for any other degree at Wits, nor at any other university, before. I have not fabricated data or falsified results and no portions or elements of another person’s work have been taken as my own. Credits accurately reflect the individuals, organizations and/or institutions concerned.
………………………………………………………… 16th September ………..day of……………………..2008
ii
DEDICATION
To all the youth and the children of the universe…preserve and celebrate your natural gift of youthfulness, strength and good health. As the days unfold on your life’s journey, remember that the world is waiting for you to bring fourth all that you are, in the way that only you can. You hold the key to your own destiny and you hold a promise for a healthier generation and planet- a better future for yourself and your own children.
iii
ABSTRACT Adolescent substance use is associated with a number of pressing problems on the public health agenda, including an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, violence-related injuries, depression, homicide, sexual assault, and accidental death. Teenage substance use remains high in South Africa, with a prevalence of smoking and alcohol binge-drinking estimated at 18.5% and 23% respectively. A previous quantitative cross-sectional analysis of data from a study cohort