Factors influencing substance abuse and risk for HIV infection among Black adolescents

M.A.The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a major nemesis in South Africa. The rates of infection among adolescents is increasing at an alarming rate and one of the key factors identified as increasing risk for infection is substance abuse. This paper is aimed at reviewing studies that have been conducted on international and national levels, regarding the theories and factors that increase risk for substance abuse and HIV infection. Although the review by Parry et al (2002) documents the incidence and trends of substance abuse in South Africa, this paper was predominantly quantitative in nature and is indicative of the dire need for intervention and prevention strategies. A qualitative analysis however would guide prevention and intervention programs. Thus it is imperative to explore those factors that increase risk for substance abuse and HIV infection among adolescents. Moving beyond this there is even greater need to investigate these factors among Black adolescents since Rocha- Silva (1998) has reported that heavy drug use has spread to poor, rural, disadvantaged communities and most local studies have focused on White adolescents