School of Allied Health Sciences

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Browsing School of Allied Health Sciences by Subject "Alcoholism, Namibia"

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    Development of a rating scale measuring interpersonal control as a maintenance factor of alcohol dependency
    (University of Namibia, 2013) Van der Merwe, Altus A.
    Interpersonal control is a significant factor in the maintenance of alcohol dependency within the dyad relationship. In the treatment of a dysfunctional behaviour, like alcohol dependency, intuitive psychological interventions have been in use. This has generated much criticism. Therefore, research and measurement tools need to be used as a basis for more objective therapeutic interventions. This study was designed to develop a reliable and valid interpersonal control rating measure to address the lack of such an instrument for clinical practices for psychotherapeutic interventions in Namibia. Content analysis of literature was used in development of a preliminary Interpersonal Control Rating Scale. The constructed scale took the format of a global behavioural anchored rating scale. A sample of 21 participants was used for this study: those in intimate relationship and displayed alcohol dependency; those intimate partners who displayed alcohol dependency; and those intimate partners alcohol dependency were not prevalent. The participants were subjected to a non-directive interview. This interview technique elicits the interactional styles displayed by participants. Their interactional styles were evaluated using the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale by four Raters. The findings show that the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale was found reliable with reliability coefficients of .91 for average measures and .71 for single measures. The instrument's validity was also established. The study recommends that the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale can be used as a tool for assessment of dyad relationships in the plan treatment by Clinicians.
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    An exploratory study into the nature of aftercare services for recovering substance abusers
    (University of Namibia, 2016) //Naobes, Angela
    The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) established the first National Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center, called Etegameno Rehabilitation and Resource Center (ERRC), in 2004. It serves to provide treatment and rehabilitation services to alcohol and drug dependent individuals and families during a period of five and a half weeks. Clients who completed treatment at the Centre are invited into an aftercare programme which entails support and follow up counselling. It has been established by the Centre that rehabilitated substance abusers experiences relapse due to lack of adequate aftercare services in the community. The purpose of the study was to explore the nature of this aftercare services by assessing the scope; the activities and the stakeholder’s role in the aftercare services. The study used the qualitative approach to provide in-depth information in understanding the needs of the recovering substance abuser in the aftercare services. The research population consisted of 40 participants including, individuals who completed the alcohol and drug treatment programme at ERRC, families of recovering substance abusers, members of the aftercare groups, and key informants. The research design applied was the Phenomenological Design to assess the full description of participant’s experiences in participating in the aftercare programme. The method of data gathering was face-to-face interviews guided by semi-structured interview schedules. The interviews were recorded and field notes were processed after the interviews. The raw data was analysed by revealing themes and patterns by identifying documents that are linked to the setting. The results indicated that recovering substance abusers need support from families and stakeholders involved in maintaining their recovering. The recovering substance abusers experienced that it is difficult to have an ordinary life after rehabilitation because inpatient treatment centers provided safe, structured environment in which negative influencing factors were removed from a client’s daily experience. Employment or job-related training was identified as an essential part of aftercare services. There is a need to introduce effective, cultural and gender sensitive spiritual programme in order to promote an individualized inclusive and holistic approach to meet the needs of recovering substance abusers. There is a need for developing an aftercare services guideline which could be helpful for professionals responsible for the creation and management of aftercare groups. The study recommends the development of Evidence-Based Aftercare Guidelines for social workers, related professionals and members of the aftercare services.
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    Social workers' perceptions on the implementation of the coalition on responsible drinking (CORD) programme in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2016) Kandjii, Manfriendine
    The purpose of the study was to assess the perception of social workers on the implementation of the coalition on responsible drinking (CORD) programme in Namibia. The study investigated the achievements and challenges social workers at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) experience in the implementation of the CORD programme. The study also obtained detailed information about the inputs, activities, and processes of the programme in order to uncover the achievements and challenges experienced during the programme implementation, the adequacy of resource allocation, and the availability and transparency of programme documentation. The main aim of the study was to collect data to assess the implementation of the CORD programme in preventing and mitigating alcohol abuse in Namibia by evaluating the opinions and perceptions of social workers who work directly with it. A quantitative research approach using a descriptive research design was adopted. A pilot study was conducted with ten (10) respondents in order to identify shortcomings and to correct the questionnaire. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that involved closed ended and open-ended questions in order to gather more detailed and complex information from the respondents. Sixty-four respondents were identified as the sample population. The questionnaire was mailed to the respondents. Fifty-five respondents returned a completed questionnaire. The study found that the CORD programme implementation is very important for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the community and the stakeholders involved in its implementation. The study also found that there is a shortage of social workers to implement the programme. Furthermore there is a lack of necessary resources, as well as a monitoring and evaluation tool. The study also established that individual counselling is mainly used to help people with alcohol problems, whilst there is a low referral of people who are addicted to alcohol to rehabilitation centers. Based on the findings of the study, it is suggested that more social workers be recruited and stakeholder involvement be strengthened. There is also a need to avail the necessary resources, such as funds and transport that can enhance the implementation of the planned activities. A monitoring and evaluation tool needs to be developed to monitor the progress of the implementation of activities. There is a need to operationalise and establish alcohol and drug rehabilitation services for treatment of people with alcohol addiction problems and aftercare services to ensure sobriety of rehabilitated clients.