Adolescent
Conditions
Keywords
Hidden drug abuse, Community-based network, Ambassadors, Brief intervention, Adolescents
Brief summary
Hidden drug abuse remains a significant concern for public health. An appropriate intervention is necessary to encourage hidden drug abusers to report their situations and seek professional help. This project aims to develop a community-based network to identify and refer hidden drug abusers in Hong Kong, and assess its effectiveness.
Detailed description
This study will be completed within 18 months, and be divided into 3 Phases, including (1) a video competition for anti-drug abuse, (2) development of a community-based network through training 150 peers aged 13-18 as anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs) to deliver anti-drug messages based on the AWARD model, and (3) a mass promotional campaign organized by ADAs in the community. A one-group pre-test and repeated post-test design will be adopted to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the community-based network. We will assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding anti-drug abuse of the ADAs. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, post-training, 3 months and 6 months after the training workshop.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALA video competition
Each Individual/group will be required to produce a maximum of 2-minute video on one of the following themes: (1) the hazardous effects of drug especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) encouraging messages to drug abusers, and (3) existing anti-drug services.
BEHAVIORALA training workshop
The workshop will last for 6 hours, and will be delivered by an experienced counsellor from C.H.O.I.C.E. The content of the workshop will include (1) hazardous effects of drug abuse especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) signs and symptoms of drug abuse particularly less psychotropic drugs like Cannabis, (3) alternatives to drug abuse, (4) community resources available, and (5) how to refer drug abusers. Besides, all children will be taught to use the AWARD model for referrals in the workshop.
BEHAVIORALA mass promotional campaign
Children who complete the training workshop in phase 2 will be invited to join phase 3. They are encouraged to design their own promotional activities for community members in the targeted districts. The activities can be delivered by a group (a maximum of 5 ADAs per group) or by an individual. Types of activities can include but not limited to health talks, booths, outreaching activities, games, posters, leaflets and websites. Likewise, if the ADAs encounter any drug abuser in their social circles, the ADAs will be asked to deliver a brief advice based on the AWARD model.
Sponsors
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 13 - 18 years * Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese
Exclusion criteria
* identified cognitive, behavioral or learning problem(s) * identified mental illness(es)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 | Immediately after the training workshop | Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 | 3 months after the training workshop | Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline |
| Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 | Immediately after the training workshop | Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline |
| Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires | 3 months after the training workshop | Personal development questions among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline |
Countries
Hong Kong
Contacts
Primary ContactKa Yan Ho, PhD
Backup ContactKa Yan Ho, PhD
Outcome results
None listed