MRC PhD students

In order to assess the prevalence and nature of methamphetamine ('tik') use among school-going adolescents in a defined geographical area in Cape Town, and to assess sexual risk behaviour and mental health among methamphetamine users, a school-based cohort survey will be conducted at 15 randomly selected schools. Adolescents in Grades 8-10 will be sampled. Comparisons will be drawn between those using methamphetamine and those not using the drug in terms of mental and physical health, aggressive behaviour, peer and family relationships, educational status, sexual risk behaviour and symptoms of depression.

The first phase of data collection was completed in August 2006. Over 1 500 learners completed a self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of this data is currently underway with initial publication to follow. The second phase of data collection will be conducted in July/August 2007.

The study by Andreas Plüddemann is supervised by Prof Alan Flisher, Head, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; and Director, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town. The co-supervisors for the study are Prof Charles Parry (MRC) and Dr Rebecca McKetin (National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia).

Andreas is a Senior Scientist in the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Research Unit of the MRC. Contact him for more information at andreas.pluddemann@mrc.ac.za