Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.

Introduction: Youth substance use has been associated with recurrent episodes of substance misuse. A large body of research has shown that relapsing into substance use is still a significant obstacle that prevents people who use substances and want to stop from recovering and abstaining. The objective of this evaluation was to locate, compile and summarise the results of all pertinent research on youth substance use relapse prevention programmes.Method: An integrative literature review (ILR) was conducted, guided by Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005, 52, 546), following a step‐by‐step guide for conducting an ILR. The PRISMA guidelines were used in the selection process.Results: Twenty‐three papers met the eligibility criteria, and three were added from grey literature. Three themes identified in the studies included in the review: Continuing care, technology‐mediated recovery management interventions and relapse prevention through developmentally engaging activities.Discussion: The review identified that a successful substance use relapse prevention programme for the youth requires continued care following discharge from hospital treatment. The care encompasses posttreatment check‐ups, assessments and linkages to treatment in which a suspected/potential relapse is referred back to treatment to prevent its severity or occurrence.

Background: Substance use relapse is a significant obstacle that hinders the success of addiction treatment and recovery for youths struggling with substance use challenges. The economic and social impacts of substance use and relapse in young people are a cause of concern worldwide; Botswana is not an exception. Objective: The study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of youth substance users regarding the prevention of relapse in Lobatse, Botswana. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted, following an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design. In total, 15 participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured questions, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Data analysis yielded two themes and subthemes. The first theme was on the perceptions of youth substance users on the causes of substance use relapse. The second theme was on the perceptions of youth substance users on the prevention of substance use relapse. Conclusion: The study showed that substance use relapse can be caused by psychological challenges, social problems, societal issues, and healthcare barriers. Our study suggests that to abate relapses to substances, interventions should encompass individual, social, and community dimensions of a substance user’s life. Furthermore, there should be healthcare interventions geared towards relapse prevention.

Caregivers frequently encounter significant role strain as they care for family members dealing with substance use and addiction issues. This burden encompasses profound emotional exhaustion and a sense of helplessness as they observe their loved ones grappling with addiction and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, family caregivers face financial strain due to the steep costs associated with treatment and rehabilitation. They may also bear the financial repercussions of debts or losses incurred from the actions of the individual with the substance use problem. Despite playing a vital role, these caregivers – often family members – face substantial psychological and social hurdles, particularly in environments where stigma is widespread. As a result, families affected by addiction endure considerable emotional strain, which is further exacerbated by a lack of supportive resources, stigma, and limited access to mental health services.

Background: Long-distance truck drivers (LDTDs) have a higher rate of HIV infection compared to the general population. This is due to their living and working conditions which predispose them to riskier sexual behaviours. Inadequate knowledge of HIV and AIDS, coupled with risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex with commercial sex workers (CSWs), predisposes LDTDs to contract and propagate HIV. This study aims to determine the factors associated with buying sex and the knowledge that condoms prevent HIV transmission among long-distance truck drivers at Kazungula weighbridge terminal in the Chobe District of Botswana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was employed and 399 LDTDs participated. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and information on knowledge of HIV and AIDS and the sexual behaviours of the LDTDs. Results: The results reveal that more than half of the LDTDs (56.9%; n = 227) had paid for sex with CSWs at some point in their travels, and 27.1% (n = 108) reported having had unprotected sex with CSWs. The LDTDs who preferred to have sex with CSWs without a condom had about five times the odds of buying sex with CSWs than those who preferred to use a condom (AOR 4.9; 95% CI 2.85–8.46). Disliking condom use was a factor contributing to less knowledge of condom use preventing HIV among the LDTDs (AOR 0.4; CI 0.17–0.97). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of this study that the LDTDs engage in considerable risky sexual behaviours, and associated factors were found to be multidimensional. This population remains of concern in HIV acquisition and transmission. Therefore, there is a need for a robust public health response to deal with the problem of both new infection and re-infection with HIV in this population.

Background: Substance use relapse among the youth is a worldwide concern with negative ramifications on their lives, families, communities and nations at large. Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a programme for the prevention of substance use relapse among youth with substance use problems in Lobatse, Botswana. Setting: The research was conducted at a referral psychiatric hospital in Lobatse, Botswana. Methods: A multiphase approach was used, which included an integrative literature review in phase one and two qualitative studies (exploratory, descriptive and contextual design) in the empirical phase. The survey list of the practice-oriented theory was used for concept classification and guided the programme’s development. Results: The findings from the studies indicate that the programme for preventing substance use relapse among youth should focus more on aftercare initiatives such as tracking and assessment of those under this programme. Conclusion: A substance use relapse prevention programme for the youth should entail and provide impetus on the aftercare of the youth substance users to prevent their relapses. Contribution: The programme provides a robust strategy for preventing substance use relapse with actionable approaches for mental health professionals to effectively address the unique needs and circumstances of youth substance users through ongoing support and active engagement in recovery activities.