The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39184

Lisa Carella, BS, CHES and Erin Hrubi, BS. Health Education, National Health Promotion Associates, Inc, 141 South Central Avenue, Suite 208, Hartsdale, NY 10530, (914) 421-2525, lmcarella@nhpanet.com

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a prototype teacher-training CD-ROM for an effective, competency-enhancement drug abuse prevention program.

Abstract: While significant progress has been made in developing effective research-based approaches for drug abuse prevention, little attention has been devoted to the importance of developing accessible and affordable training technologies, specifically multimedia educational software. The prototype CD-ROM combines the latest research concerning effective drug prevention programs with technologies and effective training methods to combat current high rates of adolescent drug use in the United States.

Methodology: The interactive CD-ROM provides teachers with the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to successfully and confidently deliver a research-based, drug prevention curriculum to their students. In order to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of using CD-ROM technology in training prevention providers, the prototype was subjected to focus group testing. Focus group participants consisted of teachers and prevention providers that had attended a live-training workshop. The overall purpose of the focus groups was to ascertain qualitative data on the CD-ROM’s credibility, effectiveness, and ease of use in school and at home.

Results: The procedure for developing the CD-ROM, demographic data and focus group themes will be presented. The findings will be used to direct the future development of a complete CD-ROM product.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to (
• Recognize the need for new technology in training providers of drug abuse prevention programs and (
• Identify ways to incorporate technology into teacher-training.

Keywords: School-Based Programs, Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.