Exploring the sense of coherence and psychological well-being of family caregivers of individuals with substance addiction in South Africa’s Western Cape

Abstract

Background Methamphetamine addiction continues to escalate in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, where affected persons (APs) carry significant emotional and psychological burdens with limited access to support services. Faculty Business and Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa 3 Faculty of Health & Wellness, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa Aim To explore existing literature on the experiences of affected persons supporting individuals with methamphetamine addiction and to identify the potential of eHealth interventions in addressing their needs. Method A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-stage framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar included English-language studies published between January 2013 and December 2023. A total of 3,069 records were retrieved, and after screening and eligibility assessment, 15 studies were included. Results Findings highlight the significant emotional, physical, and social toll on affected persons. Family-centered interventions and digital health solutions were shown to improve quality of life, coping strategies, and support networks. Despite promising evidence, research focused specifically on affected persons remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings. Conclusion APs remain overlooked stakeholders in addiction care. Integrating personcentred support with accessible eHealth interventions may improve psychological well-being and provide scalable solutions in resource-limited South African communities. Contribution This review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted research and support for Affected Persons. It highlights the potential of technology-enabled solutions to address service gaps in methamphetamine-affected communities, informing future person-centered support strategies.