The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3317.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - Board 3

Abstract #63929

Development of intervention programs to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut use for Aboriginal adolescents in Taiwan

Chiu-Mieh Huang, School of Nursing, Chung Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd. Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, 886-3-3283016-3116, chiumieh@mail.cgu.edu.tw and Jong-Long Guo, Department of Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Sec. 1, Hoping East Rd., Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.

Death registry showed an elevated distribution of lung cancer, liver cancer/cirrhosis, and oral cancer, which were highly associated with tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut use, in aboriginals, the priority/minority population in Taiwan. In order to control/prevent the long-term development of the diseases, effective health education programs for youth are in great demand. However, few studies explored this area in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to develop preventive programs in tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut use for aboriginal adolescents. Literature was reviewed to summarize the related factors of tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut use in adolescents. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and focus group were deployed to assess the educational needs of seventh graders in a northern aboriginal county. In order to promote adolescents°¦ decision-making and behavior change, the program was built on the psychosocial factors including knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behavior intention. A series of structured courses were developed and evaluated. Multiple forms of media including fliers, posters, booklets, flash animated movie, and web pages were developed. Pre/post test were given to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and learning worksheets. Study results indicated that media-based learning materials and structured courses were effective. Participants had significant improved knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behavior intention. The results suggested that the programs could help health professionals developing effective approaches in preventing substance use and guide them to establish a valuable model.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Minority Health

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.

Alcohol: A Global Problem Poster Session

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA