Exploring the quality of life needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape

Maternal substance use is a severe public health concern in South Africa. Low-income rural living presents unique challenges for pregnant women using substances. Consequently, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life (QoL) needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape; in particular, the environmental barriers and opportunities that could improve or hamper the women’s QoL and recovery. To do this, this study utilised an interpretive phenomenological analysis to conduct secondary data analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews collected for the parent project it forms part of. The parent project employed purposive sampling to select thirteen pregnant women who took part in the substance use support programme of a collaborating non-profit organisation. The data analysis of this study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory and the QoL Framework. The study found that while community resources, social support, hope, and resilience offered opportunities for enhancing the QoL and supporting the recovery of the women in this study, contextual stressors and mental health issues functioned as barriers to QoL and recovery. The findings demonstrated the need for increased attention to the social determinants of health in maternal substance use and QoL research and interventions, as well as multi-level and multi-sectoral stakeholder involvement with a focus on resolving contextual impediments. The present study concluded that challenging maternal substance use and improving maternal QoL in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape requires a critically informed, locally relevant approach to understanding and addressing these issues.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Thandeki, Hloni

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Florence, Maria

• Low-income
• Pregnant women
• Quality of life needs
• Rural
• Substance use

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/459c05ef-db6d-44e9-a0fe-10f2be6e4aae/download