Perceptions of Psychiatric Nurses on Substance Use Relapse Prevention Among the Youth‐ An Exploratory Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Across the globe, relapse into substance use after treatment is a common problem, and Botswana is no exception. The issue of youth substance use relapse remains significant, causing harm to their social, spiritual, financial, and overall health. AIM: The study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of psychiatric nurses on the prevention of substance use relapse in Lobatse, Botswana. DESIGN: Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 psychiatric nurses working at a referral psychiatric hospital in Lobatse. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants. Thematic data analysis was used for this study. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded four main themes and some subthemes. The study revealed that psychiatric nurses perceived youths' relapse into substance use to be due to psychological triggers, family problems, and societal issues. To reduce the likelihood of relapse, the participants proposed that interventions should address the individual, family, and community aspects of a person's life. Additionally, healthcare interventions to prevent relapse were proposed. CONCLUSION: Substance use relapse is a serious challenge for the youth. This study presents findings on the participants' perceptions of substance use relapse among youth and on preventive interventions. The relapse prevention strategies identified can be used in nursing practice to curb the relapses to substance use, for example, the findings can inform the development of relapse prevention programs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The perceptions of psychiatric nurses were elicited in this study.