Abstract Text: It is necessary to use reliable and valid knowledge and competence skills measures in order to evaluate drug abuse prevention programs for adolescents. Existing measures do not often adequately match the information that is included in the intervention program. As part of an drug abuse prevention evaluation study an already existing middle school questionnaire was modified to include a three sections: 1) knowledge true false items; 2) drug attitudes, expectancies and refusal skills; and 3) drug use behaviors, normative beliefs and life skills.
Methodology: The questionnaire was designed and modified by a group of experts in the drug abuse prevention field. Seventh grade participants who had not been exposed to the substance abuse prevention program completed the questionnaire. One week later the students were asked to complete the same questionnaire. Upon completion of a 15-week intervention program and the same students completed the questionnaire for a third assessment.
Results: Test-retest reliability results were significant for total and individual item scores of the questionnaire. Results concerning reliability, correlations of questionnaire items and pre and post-intervention effects will be presented. These data will be used to finalize the questionnaire and use it in clinical trial evaluation studies.
Learning Objectives: The purpose of this study was assess the psychometric properties of a school based, effective drug abuse prevention program questionnaire.
Keywords: Adolescents, Substance Abuse Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Health Promotion Associates Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed - Vice President