Abstract
Substance abuse may lead to criminal behaviors. Substance abuse has major impact on individuals, families and communities, as its effects are cumulative, contributing to costely, social, physical and mental health problems. Aim of the study: This study aims to examine effect of health and psycho education on the adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception regarding substance abuse. Design: A quasi experimental design was used to conduct this study. Tool of data collection: Data collection was carried out by using the following tools: An interview questionnaire form that covers two parts. Part I: Demographic characteristics such as: age, father and mother’s education, parents’ job etc… Part II: It comprised 54 items: four items sought information about respondents' level of knowledge and awareness of, and personal familiarity with, illegal drugs; 35 items explored perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about drug use, drug users and drug-related issues plus 15 items elicited socio-demographic data including the respondents' age, marital status etc. Results: There is statistically significant improvement in the level of knowledge after intervention, with p=0.000.Adolescents positive attitude toward addicts has increased post intervention representing 45.8% of the sample compared with 32.6% pre intervention. Moreover, the positive perception of the adolescents regarding addiction has increased representing 28.3% post intervention compared to 3.3% pre intervention. Conclusion: Adolescents have poor knowledge, poor attitude and poor perception regarding substance abuse. Intervention including health and psychoeducation has an effective result on students knowledge, attitude, and perceptrion of substance abuse. Recommendations: Frequent assessments of adolescents knowledge, attitude and perception regarding substance abuse. Assessing sources of students information and providing frequent educational program for adolecents regarding substance abuse among Egyptian schools. Collaboration of Ministry of Health with Ministry of Information in providing intervention programs targeting adolescents and school students for prevention of substance abuse.
Highlights
Adolescence is a critical stage in the life-course and can be considered the most transformative period in the individual’s life
This study aims to examine effect of health and psycho education on the adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception regarding substance abuse, this achived through: 1. Assessment of adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception pre intervention
Substance abuse is a major problem in Egypt, due to rapidly growing and changing patterns of substance use
Summary
Adolescence is a critical stage in the life-course and can be considered the most transformative period in the individual’s life. Substance use is a public health problem among teenagers and young adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines substance abuse as harmful or dangerous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Substance abuse is a public health care problem with global dimension [2]. Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts. In some cases criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long term personality changes in individuals may occur as well. In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, use of some drugs may lead to criminal behaviors. Substance abuse has major impact on individuals, families and communities, as its affects are cumulative, contributing to costly, social, physical and mental health problems [1,3]
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