ABCs of early screening & detection

Past epidemiological surveillance efforts in youth tobacco and substance use screening and detection have traditionally involved survey data collected from high school and some late middle school aged youth. The process usually involves inquiring about the students' actual use patterns and intentions to use these products in the near future. Very few studies have focused on the intentions and perceptions of risk associated with use of these substances by younger elementary level students. This session will focus on the findings from >1300 longitudinal surveys conducted with elementary students from both genders of varied geographical and ethnic/racial backgrounds as young as eight to nine (8-9) years of age, as well as from early middle school aged students (11-14 years).

Utilizing a reliable and valid assessment tool [elementary and middle school versions] developed by the researcher for early screening and detection, children's perceptions of risk associated with substance use (ATOD) and associated individual and environmental risk predictive characteristics were identified. Changes in the individual students' intention to use various substances from one grade level to another, as well as their actual stated use patterns are described. Findings are presented and policy recommendations made for future preventive efforts to enable health advocates to 1) increase their success in negotiating with regional school administrations to improve access to similar student populations, and 2) develop the most effective and efficacious curricula within elementary and early middle school years with dwindling ATOD prevention and treatment dollars.