 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Chris Williams, PhD, Shuma Panse, MPH, and Jeanne Chun, BA. National Health Promotion Associates, Inc, 711 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604, 914-421-2525, spanse@nhpanet.com
Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational CD-ROM designed for adolescents developed from a research- and school-based drug abuse prevention program.
Abstract: Given the increased role of multimedia technology in the learning and social environments of adolescents, it is critical to use innovative channels like computers, CD-ROMs and the Internet to disseminate drug abuse prevention information. At the same time, it is vital that any new educational tools be rooted in sound prevention science research. The CD-ROM, modeled after the highly effective LifeSkills Training program, targets middle school students and is designed for use in home and after-school settings. Presented in an interactive and engaging manner, its program topics focus on learning personal self-management, social and drug resistance skills.
Methodology: 500 6th and 7th grade students were recruited from schools that were not currently implementing a research-based drug abuse prevention program and tested in a randomized control field trial. Students completed pre- and post-tests via the Internet. The impact of the CD-ROM intervention was assessed in terms of adolescent-level variables such as drug-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behavior.
Results: Data will be examined to 1) determine the overall effectiveness of the CD-ROM intervention and 2) determine the extent to which effects vary by gender, race and other demographic variables.
Conclusions: Innovative multi-media technology, particularly CD-ROM technology, combined with sound prevention science research, can be a powerful tool for drug abuse prevention education amongst adolescents.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, New Technology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment