Enablers and inhibitors to quality of life as experienced by substance abusers discharged from a rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, South Africa

Authors

  • Marusa Lebogang Lefine Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • Ramadimetja Annah Lesunyane Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Abstract

Introductiion: The impacct of substancee-related and addictive disorders is a serious health problem affecting society.  Occupational therapy intervention for people with substance-related disorder is ultamately directed at enhancing the quality of lif.  `this article aims to present participants' experiences regarding their quality of life on their journey to sobriety.

Methods: A qualitative study, where an exploration of participants' perceptions and description thereof, was used to gain insight into participants' experiences of ther quality of life after discharge from a rehabilitation centre.  Individual, semi0structured interviews were held to collect data from a purposive sample of 20 participants.  `the interviews were based on the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life.  A Direct `Weighting Procedure for Quality of Life Domains (SEOQoL - DW).  Dta collected were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings: Two themes, namely (1) "enablers to quality of life" and (2) "quality of life inhibitors" emerged from the interviews.  `The participants described the enablers to quality of life as employment, education, support, parenting and leisure; while emotions experienced, family breakdown, harmful behaviours and socio-economic status were described as the inhibitors of quality of life/

Conclusion: Engagement in occpations is emportant for the substance user to enhance their quality of life.  Occupation-based intervention is therefore crucial in enhancing quality of life, particularly in the life of a substance user whose lifelong journey to sobriety is challenged daily by the barriers they encounter.

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Author Biographies

  • Marusa Lebogang Lefine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
    1. M Occ Ther (Chief Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital)

     

     

  • Ramadimetja Annah Lesunyane, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
    1. M Occ Ther (Senior Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)

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Published

06-12-2022

How to Cite

Enablers and inhibitors to quality of life as experienced by substance abusers discharged from a rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, South Africa. (2022). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 52(3), 62-72. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19400
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