What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the prevalence of substance use among adolescents in South Africa and highlight the need for targeted interventions.

April 1, 2026Open Access

Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Prevalence of Substance Use Among Adolescents in South Africa

Key Points

The aim is to assess the prevalence of substance use among adolescents in South Africa and highlight the need for targeted interventions.
Conducted a systematic review of existing literature on adolescent substance use
Performed a meta-analysis to aggregate prevalence data
Focused on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use rates among adolescents
High prevalence rates of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use identified among adolescents
Evidence indicates that early substance use is linked to the development of substance use disorders
Findings underscore the need for improved surveillance and prevention programs for adolescents

Abstract

High exposure to substances in SA, especially alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, underscores the urgent need for nationally representative surveillance and evidence-based prevention efforts tailored to adolescents, to avoid progression of substance use into substance use disorder.

Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Prevalence of Substance Use Among Adolescents in South Africa

Key Points

Abstract

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