Parental Substance Abuse and Children’s Psychosocial Well-Being in Maphiveni in The Kingdom of Eswatini

Lungile Fakudze, Mary Syokoli Mutisya & Felistus Mwikali Patrick
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Email: mntolo88@gmail.com

Abstract: Substance abuse remains a pressing challenge among youth globally and within Eswatini, with profound effects on family systems. This study examined the impact of parental substance abuse on children’s psychosocial well-being in Maphiveni, guided by Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. A mixed-methods design was employed, targeting a population of 2,800, with a study population of 900, comprising parents, children, social workers, children’s officers, and police officers. Using purposive sampling, data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, yielding 359 respondents. Quantitative data were presented through frequency tables, while qualitative analysis followed Tesch’s approach. Findings indicated a rising trend of parental substance use in Maphiveni. Children of substance-using parents were disproportionately vulnerable to mental health challenges, poor academic performance, weakened social skills, economic hardship, and increased risk of substance use. The study also revealed limited interventions to safeguard children’s psychosocial well-being, with families further burdened by financial strain and social stressors, including domestic conflict, abuse, and isolation. The study underscores the urgent need for formal and informal support networks, expanded counseling and rehabilitation services, and stronger government-led anti-drug initiatives through collaborative, community-based approaches.