Drug Education Research Articles

The impact of gender, socioeconomic status and locality on the development of student patterns of alcohol consumption and harm

Purpose The consequences of problematic alcohol consumption fall heavily on Australian adolescents, with this population at increased risk of death, serious injury and other harm. Research regarding whether gender, socioeconomic status (SES) or locality play a role in young people’s alcohol consumption and related harm is limited in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether Victorian students’ patterns of alcohol uptake, consumption and related harm differed between gender, SES and locality. Design/methodology/approach The study involved secondary analysis of student data from the Drug Education in Victorian Schools harm minimisation drug education programme, undertaken in 21 Victorian government schools over three years The initial cohort of 1,752 students was followed during Years 8, 9 and 10, when their average age would have, respectively, been 13, 14 and 15 years. Findings There were no gender differences in drinking uptake, consumption or harm. Students with low SES were more likely to have consumed a full drink of alcohol and also experienced more alcohol-related harm. Students living in a regional/rural area were more likely to have engaged in high alcohol consumption. Originality/value The findings of this study highlighted that different student demographics have an impact on patterns of alcohol consumption, vulnerability and harm. Students with low SES, living in a regional/rural area, are more at risk than students with higher SES living in a fringe metro/major regional or metro area. Future school harm minimisation drug education programmes should consider the needs of students with demographics that make them more susceptible to higher consumption and harm.

A Retrospective 4-year Outcome Study of Veterans Admitted to an Acute Inpatient Detoxification Unit for Opioid Use Disorder.

With 47 600 opioid-related deaths in 2017, the yearly deaths have surpassed the HIV/AIDS peak yearly death rates. Residential rehabilitation (RR) and medication-assisted treatments (MAT) are commonly utilized treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). All patients (n = 182) who were admitted to the Boston Veterans Health Administration for inpatient admission for medically supervised opioid withdrawal in 2015 were included. Deceased patients were matched 1:1, based on age and sex to living patients from the 182-patient cohort. Nationwide electronic medical records were analyzed from 2015 through 2018. Via multilinear regression, risk factor correlation to all-cause mortality (the dependent variable) was our main outcome. Primary risk factors included recurrent admissions for medically supervised withdrawals and exposure to RR or MAT. Secondary risk factors were opioid use traits, nonopioid drug use, partner support, education level, homelessness, and employment. 18.4% (n = 34) were deceased by the time of follow-up-equivalent to 4760 deaths per 100 000 person-years. A total of 61.8% (n = 21) of these deaths were directly related to opioid use. Completion of RR correlated with lower predicted mortality (β = -8.21, P = 0.03). In contrast, attending RR but not completing correlated with higher predicted mortality rate (β = 6.51, P = 0.046). Concurrent benzodiazepine use (β = 8.99, P = 0.047), generalized anxiety disorder (β = 7.13, P = 0.03) and major depressive disorder (β = 5.44, P = 0.04) increased risk of death. OUD carries a shockingly high lethality in Veterans requiring inpatient admission for opioid withdrawal, particularly when there are untreated comorbid psychiatric conditions. RR and MAT are correlated to lower all-cause mortality in this population and should be highly utilized. Given the extremely high mortality, intensive system-wide interventions are needed for the care of Veterans with OUD. On the basis of the reduced predicted mortality with RR and MAT, further research into novel MATs as well as refining RR programs should be a major focus. (Am J Addict 2019;28:318-323).

An Exploration of Shifting Adolescent Use, Access and Risk Perception of Marijuana in the Caribbean Island of Barbados in 2006 and 2013

In the face of more liberal attitudes globally towards marijuana, its use by adolescents is considered harmful. Some Caribbean countries, including the island of Barbados, are deliberating changes to their drug policies on marijuana from complete prohibition towards more liberal approaches. There is a need for the analysis of existing use, access and risk perception of marijuana among Barbados’ adolescent population given their vulnerability. This article employs data from two nationally representative secondary school surveys conducted in 2006 (n = 2239) and 2013 (n = 1339). A two-proportion z test was performed on the data to determine whether changes were significant at the 95% confidence level. While there has been an increase in prevalence and incidence rates, these were not significantly different in the two surveys. Significant changes were observed with the location of marijuana consumption and sources from which it was accessed. Finally, there was a significant decline in the perception that using marijuana regularly was harmful. Only the decline in frequent use being perceived as harmful was statistically significant. The results point to possible gaps in drug education and a greater need for the protection of the young.

096 Service evaluation of one-stop provision of diagnostic ultrasound, drug education and therapy services in an early inflammatory arthritis clinic in Salford

096 Service evaluation of one-stop provision of diagnostic ultrasound, drug education and therapy services in an early inflammatory arthritis clinic in Salford

Implementation of a pharmaceutical care program for patients with hepatitis C treated with new direct-action antivirals.

Background A pharmaceutical care program is necessary to improve the management of direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C. Objective Describe health outcomes obtained with the implementation of a pharmaceutical care program in Hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals. Setting This study was performed in a pharmacy department of a university hospital. Methods Retrospective study between 1st-April 2015 and 28st-February 2016. Hospital pharmacists implemented interventional measures for validation of antivirals prescriptions, detection of drug-interaction, adverse drug events, education and patient´s adherence to antiviral regimen. Main outcome measure Health and quality outcomes of the implementation of the pharmaceutical care program. Results A total 128 patients were enrolled. The overall sustained virologic response at week 12 post-treatment rate was 96.1% (95% CI 92.7-99.5). Adverse drug events occurred in 90.6% of the patients, and the majority were grade 1-2. Pharmacists made 334 pharmaceutical interventions. 35.5% of these interventions were aimed to resolve negative results of drugs. 80.9% of the negative results of drugs improved or were eliminated with the application of the measures proposed by the pharmacists (p ≤ 0.001). Pharmacists carried out 175 preventive interventions to avoid negative results of drugs. 97.3% of these interventions were accepted and managed to prevent the appearance of negative results of drugs (p = 0.453). Conclusion The implementation of a pharmaceutical care program in patients with hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antivirals has improved the safety in the use of these drugs.

001 A prospective audit of a patient cohort prescribed hydroxychloroquine in order to estimate the burden of retinopathy screening and service requirements for drug education appointments

001 A prospective audit of a patient cohort prescribed hydroxychloroquine in order to estimate the burden of retinopathy screening and service requirements for drug education appointments

Implementasai Pembelajaran Perilaku Pencegahan Penyalahgunaan Narkoba Dalam Pendidikan Jasmani

Indonesia is a drug emergency, yes, this sentence illustrates the current condition of the Indonesian Replubic State. This is caused by rampant drug trafficking and abuse. In Indonesia, data from the National Narcotics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia shows in 2004 that 15% of Indonesia's population was involved in drug abuse (3.2 million) and in 2005 showed that 15,000 people died each year due to drugs (Jakarta Provincial Narcotics Agency, 2009) . The latest data on drug abuse in 2014 has increased by 4 million (BNN, 2015). Do not rule out the possibility of drug abuse will continue to increase in the following years as long as there is no education on the dangers of drug education at the Secondary School level Education is believed to solve the problem of the Indonesian people in order to avoid drug abuse. This belief is strengthened because education is a planned effort to influence others, whether individuals, groups, or the community, so that they do what is expected by education practitioners (Notoatmodjo, 2003: 16). In addition, in RI Law No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System, article 1. Explains that: "Education is everything that is done by someone for himself or done by someone else for him, with the aim of bringing him closer to the level of perfection" From the opinion of some experts and based on the Act –Chief The National Education System can overcome drug abuse behavior. While the education chosen by researchers is Physical Education. This consideration was chosen because in the Syllabus of learning in schools in Physical Education subjects there is some material regarding drug abuse itself. In addition to previous considerations, Physical Education not only aims to encourage physical growth, but as Freeman (2007: 27-28) states that physical education uses physical activity to produce overall improvements to the physical, mental and emotional quality of students as one complete unity. Through sports physical education and health it is expected that students become "physically educated people" who not only emphasize motor skills and movement patterns but can maintain health improvement as stated by Metzler (2005: 14) a person can become "Physically educated person" must meet the following standards: (1) demonstrate motor skills and the skills and patterns of motion needed to display various physical activities, (2) demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of motion, principles, strategies and tactics as they apply in learning and performance of various physical activities, (3) participate regularly in physical activities, (4) achieve and maintain improved health and fitness levels, (5) demonstrate personal and social responsibility in the form of respect for self and others in an atmosphere of activity s physical, and (6) values physical activity for health, pleasure, challenges, self-expression, and social interaction. Therefore the author tries to examine implementing a program to prevent drug abuse behavior in physical education. So physical education, sports and health can be one way or a protector to increase knowledge of the importance of preventing drug abuse

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Regular Methamphetamine Use in Methadone Treatment

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the efficacy of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) for regular methamphetamine use among methadone-maintained women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in four methadone treatment services. Eligible women were assigned to receive either BCBT or drug education. Five questionnaires were used to assess the research hypotheses at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Urinalysis was used to verify self-reported methamphetamine use at week 0. Urinalyses were used for those participants who reported abstinence from methamphetamine at weeks 4 and 12. Overall, 120 women were enrolled. Sixteen participants were lost to follow-up. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant reductions in frequency of methamphetamine use (p < 0.001), severity of methamphetamine dependence (p < 0.001), and number of days of methamphetamine use (p < 0.001) at weeks 4 and 12. Significant improvements in readiness to change (p < 0.001), psychological well-being (p < 0.001), and social functioning (p = 0.001) were found in the treatment group at weeks 4 and 12. Nineteen urine specimens (31.66%) in the treatment group were negative for methamphetamine use at post-treatment and follow-up, while no change was found in the control group (0.00%). The study supported the efficacy of BCBT for methamphetamine use and associated harms.

Favourable prognosis of trigeminal neuralgia when enrolled in a multidisciplinary management program - a two-year prospective real-life study

BackgroundPrognosis of medically treated trigeminal neuralgia patients is assumed to be poor, but the evidence is lacking. Thus, prospective real-life studies of medical management of trigeminal neuralgia are warranted.MethodsThis was an observational study. Patients were consecutively enrolled in a structured management program at a specialist centre for facial pain. Optimisation of medical treatment, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and advice from trained nurses, were parts of the program. Medically intractable patients were referred for neurosurgery. Data-collection was prospective using standardised schemes and patient surveys. The aim was to describe the two-year outcome of medical treatment at the specialist centre. The primary outcome was a 50% reduction in the overall burden of pain according to a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) after two years.ResultsA total of 186 primary TN patients were enrolled in the program of which 103 patients remained medically managed and completed the two-year follow-up. Fifty patients were treated surgically within the first two years of follow-up. Half of the medically managed patients (53 (51%)), had more than a 50% reduction in the overall burden of pain over the two-year period. The overall burden of pain on NRS decreased from mean 5.34 to 3.00, p < 0.01. There was no significant association between primary outcome and sex, depression and/or anxiety, concomitant persistent pain, or neurovascular contact with morphological changes of the trigeminal nerve.ConclusionsPatients with trigeminal neuralgia improve over a two-year period when enrolled in a structured medical management program. Optimisation of drug treatment, continuous advice and education and support by the multidisciplinary team, referral of the medically intractable patients for surgery or the natural history of the disease, can be some of the reasons for the improvement. The favourable prognosis provides hope and optimism for medically managed TN patients.Trial registrationCurrent study was observational, and patients were offered standard clinical care and laboratory workups according to current American Academy of Neurology and European Federation of Neurological Societies treatment guidelines. The study has been registered at ClincalTrials.gov. ID: NCT03838393.

The role of energy drink consumption in the intention to initiate marijuana use among adolescents

AimsThe current study aims to examine whether energy drink consumption is associated with intentions to try marijuana among adolescents who have never tried marijuana, and whether the effects of energy drink consumption on the intention to try marijuana vary between adolescents who have previously tried alcohol or cigarettes and those who have not. MethodsThis study employs a pooled cross-sectional design and uses a nationally representative sample of 8th (ages 13–14) and 10th (ages 15–16) grade adolescents from seven recent cohorts (2010–2016) of the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between energy drink consumption (none, light, moderate, heavy) and the odds of intending to initiate marijuana use in the next 12 months, controlling for sociodemographic factors and other health and social behaviors. ResultsThe results indicate that energy drink consumers are significantly more likely to intend to initiate marijuana use relative to non-consumers of energy drinks. Specifically, youth who heavily use energy drinks have significantly higher odds of having the intention to use marijuana in the near future than youth who consume energy drinks moderately or lightly. Additionally, evidence suggests that the relationship between energy drink consumption and the intention to use marijuana is moderated by use of other substances. ConclusionsThe current study suggests that energy drink consumption (particularly heavy consumption) may be one early precursor in the escalation of substance use. It may be beneficial to include energy drinks in drug education curriculums.

A Narrative Review of Codeine and Preventive Measures in Mitigating against the Widespread of its Abuse and Misuse

Codeine is a phenanthrene extracted naturally from opium; it can also be produced artificially by the methylation of morphine. Among opiate drugs, codeine is the most frequently consumed around the world, broadly used for its pain relieving, antitussive properties, and its ability to prevent diarrhea. The abuse of codeine products is a major developing general health challenge in numerous nations around the globe, this is because such items are available in the range of over the counter medications (OTC) which are consistently, and easily gotten in the market even without prescription. This paper discuses Codeine and the Preventive measures in mitigating against its Abuse and Misuse. It is a review study in which the prevalence rate of codeine misuse, motives for misuse of codeine, Side effects of codeine abuse and Prevention of codeine abuse was discussed extensively under; Pharmacovigilance, drug education, monitoring and screening. It was concluded that the importance and uses of codeine are numerous, but the abuse of codeine and codeine products, for example the codeine cough syrup is a general health problem all over the world, and it remains necessary that codeine is regulated in each respective countries to reduce the prevalence rate of its misuse and abuse.

Increasing Awareness of Substance Abuse and Addictions: Does Early Childhood Drug Education Provide Diversion from Using Drugs and/or Alcohol?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 70 percent of adolescents have experimented with alcohol, while 20 percent have experimented with prescription drugs before their senior year in high school. Alcohol and drug abuse has become a nationwide problem. A small rural community in southern Indiana reports that almost 12 percent of its population uses drugs daily. The authors hypothesize that current school-based alcohol and drug curriculums are not robust enough to divert risky behavior during adolescence. Surveys were administered to residents living in two separate transitional homes for people with addiction. The surveys consisted of questions regarding drug and alcohol abuse related to childhood education. The process was completed using a descriptive study. Participants in the study (n = 17) revealed valuable information confirming their rationales for substance abuse. Overwhelmingly, all participants agreed that drug education needs to be available in early childhood education. As substance abuse escalates, so must our efforts to research and understand the problem. The examination of current adolescent drug and alcohol prevention programs isessential to help promote program evaluation and in identifying potential education needs for our youth.

Potential of an Interactive Drug Prevention Mobile Phone App (Once Upon a High): Questionnaire Study Among Students.

BackgroundIn recent years, drug prevention networks and drug education programs have started using Web-based or mobile phone apps as novel prevention tools, testing their efficacy compared with face-to-face prevention.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the potential of an interactive app called Once Upon a High (VoltEgySzer).MethodsThe app approaches drug prevention from 6 different aspects, and it addresses youngsters with 6 different modules: (1) interactive comics/cartoons, telling stories of recovery; (2) quiz game; (3) roleplay game; (4) introduction of psychoactive drugs; (5) information on the somatic and psychological effects of psychoactive substances; (6) list of available treatment units, rehabs, and self-support groups in Hungary. Students of 2 vocational schools and 2 high schools filled out a questionnaire at a baseline (T0) and a 2-month follow-up (T1) data collection session. Students of 1 vocational school and 1 high school downloaded the Once Upon a High app (app group), whereas students from the other vocational school and high school did not (nonapp group). The time points of T0 and T1 questionnaires contained demographic variables, items with regard to substance use characteristics for both legal and illegal substances, including novel psychoactive substance, exercise habits, knowledge about psychoactive substances, attitudes toward substance users and validated instruments measuring the severity of tobacco (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence), alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), cannabis (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test), and synthetic cannabinoid consumption. Beliefs about substance use (Beliefs About Substance Abuse) and perceived self-efficacy (General Perceived Self-Efficacy) were also measured. At T1, members of the app group provided additional evaluation of the app.ResultsThere were 386 students who participated in the T0 session. After dropout, 246 students took part in T1 data collection procedure. Alcohol was the most frequently consumed psychoactive substance (334/364, 91.8% lifetime use), followed by tobacco (252/386, 65.3%, lifetime use) and cannabis (43/323, 13.3% lifetime use). Decreased self-efficacy (beta=−.29, P=.04) and increased daily physical exercise frequencies (beta=.04, P<.001) predicted higher frequencies of past month energy drink consumption, whereas elevated past month alcohol consumption was mainly predicted by a decrease in negative attitudes toward substance users (beta=−.13, P=.04) in the regression models. Once Upon a High was found to be effective only in reducing energy drink consumption (beta=−1.13, P=.04) after controlling for design effect, whereas perceived utility of the app showed correlation with a decreasing alcohol use (rS(44)=.32, P=.03). The roleplay module of the app was found to be the most preferred aspect of the app by the respondents.ConclusionsThe Once Upon a High app can be a useful tool to assist preventive intervention programs by increasing knowledge and self-efficacy; however, its efficacy in reducing or preventing substance use needs to be improved and further studied. Additional potential impacts of the app need further testing.

Evaluation of a drug and alcohol safety education program in aviation using interrupted time series and the Kirkpatrick framework

Compliance with drug and alcohol regulations are required by 14 CFR Part 120/ and 49 CFR Part 40. These regulations affect approximately 7200 aviation-related companies and their associated services. Consequences for noncompliance can include loss of revenue from imposition of civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of the company’s certificate to conduct business. Front End Analysis (FEA) was conducted to determine specific performance problems and provide five tailored educational interventions to address them. Program evaluation was conducted using Interrupted Time Series (ITS) modeling. Results showed significant (p < .05) decreases in nonconformities across all five models with small to moderate effect sizes. Based on the relative effects, values for reductions in civil penalty costs between 16% and 47%, were predicted. Actual sanction reductions from the pre-to-post-intervention periods were confirmed to be 24.21%. The study supported the efficacy of the ITS approach for implementation of level four Kirkpatrick evaluation.

First Time Cannabis Use and Sexual Debut in U.S. High School Adolescents

PurposeUse of illicit drugs by adolescents might facilitate or trigger other risky behaviors, including early sexual initiation (ESI), multiple partners, and unprotected sex. This study examines whether the age at which adolescents initiate cannabis use is associated with the age of their first sexual intercourse in the U.S. in 2015. MethodsA secondary analysis of data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey, was conducted (n = 7,664). Exposure of interest was age of initiation of cannabis use (never used cannabis, age 12 or younger, 13–14 years of age, and age 15 or older) and outcome was ESI (14 years old or younger). Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were computed. ResultsPrevalence of ESI was 15.3%. The proportion of cannabis use was 39.9%. Adolescents starting cannabis use before the age of 15 had higher adjusted odds of ESI (OR ranged 4.2–6.7). This association is modified by sex: while in boys using cannabis before 13 years, the OR is 9 (95% CI 5.2–15.6); in girls, it is 2.8 (95% CI 1.7–4.7). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there should be sex and drug education programs instituted before the age of 12 ideally, and no later than by age 15 since this time represents a critical period of initiating both behaviors.

A qualitative study of methamphetamine initiation among Chinese male users: Patterns and policy implications

China is a major producer and distributor of methamphetamine (meth) worldwide. Within the last two decades, China has seen rapid growth in meth use, especially among young men. However, patterns of Chinese male users’ initiation of meth is rarely explored. To address this void in the literature, this study adopts China’s mian’zi culture to explore Chinese male meth users’ initiation patterns qualitatively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 male meth users from seven Chinese compulsory drug treatment institutions. Thematic analysis was applied to data analysis. Most participants reported their beginning to use meth as a strategy or approach to handling peer influence stemming from structured social networking. The motivation to have fun with friends, colleagues, or business fellows to maintain these people’s mian’zi, together with the curiosity about meth and lack of understanding that meth is a potentially addictive drug, contribute to male users’ meth initiation. Moreover, we found that most male meth users’ initiation occurs in enclosed locations, such as nightclubs, karaoke rooms, hotels, and private residences because these locations were considered “safe.” Additionally, some participants initiated meth use because they perceived it could be a way of harm reduction from heroin or alcoholism. However, such perception neglects the harmful outcomes of the concomitant use of meth with other drugs or alcohol. We suggested social support programs for young Chinese men who are located in high-risk social networking where meth use is accepted as a way of interaction. Up-to-date drug education on meth is also necessary for school students, and mass media could play its role in educating the public about potential risks of meth use.

Patient factors associated with the initiation of telehealth services among heart failure patients at home

ABSTRACTTelehealth is an intervention that can assist patients with heart failure to manage their symptoms at home. However, it is reported that between 24–70% of eligible patients do not receive telehealth. This study aimed to explore factors associated with the initiation of telehealth among home care patients with heart failure using the Outcome and Assessment Information Set data (N = 2,832). The findings indicate patients who received high-risk drugs education by visiting nurses had an 80% increase in the odds of receiving telehealth, and patients who received no assistance from caregivers had a 46% decrease in odds compared to those who were assisted at least daily.

Pharmacists’ roles in nursing homes in Malaysia

The Malaysian population is aging, and it is estimated that, by 2020, 3.3 million people will be aged ≥60 years.1 The consequent increase in chronic diseases means increased demand for health services, the use of medicines and the coordination of care for older people. Although medications increase survival and improve quality of life, medication errors can occur.2, 3 Medication-related harm is an ongoing, significant issue in all sectors of health care. Studies have shown that nursing home residents experience adverse events due to inappropriate prescribing practices and inadequate monitoring.4 Pharmacists’ involvement in nursing homes has the potential to minimise medication-related problems and prevent potential medication-related harm and hospitalisations. Studies showed that one-half of nursing home residents are exposed to adverse drug events, duplication of therapy and drug interactions.5 We conducted an exploratory study to examine pharmacists’ attitudes towards the care of older people and their views on the role of pharmacists in Malaysian nursing homes. The study was a prospective, cross-sectional survey conducted from September to October 2015 with pharmacists in Malaysia. The study was approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF15/791-2015000358). In all, 41 pharmacists responded to the survey. Most (73%) were 20–29 years of age and female (71%), and 77% indicated that they had never had any interactions with nursing home staff relating to pharmacist activities. Many (85%) agreed that pharmacists should have a more active role in nursing homes, whereas 60% agreed that it was an area of health care they would like to practice in. Many (81%) agreed with the statement ‘I tend to pay more attention and have more sympathy for the elderly than younger patients’, and 42% agreed that ‘most older people are pleasant to be with’, whereas 47% responded neutrally to the latter statement (Table 1). With regard to proposed roles for pharmacists in nursing homes, respondents agreed that pharmacists should dispense medications (89%), provide advice on methods of administering medicines (97%), provide advice to prescribers regarding the selection of drug therapy (97%), provide drug information and education directly to patients and nursing home staff (100%), identify patient medication issues and adverse drug reactions that are not being recognised (100%) and undertake medication reviews (100%). Pharmacists, through their training and skills, are ideally placed to perform a medication review and identify medication-related problems. The results of the current survey suggest that most pharmacists believe that better utilisation of their skill-set would be of significant benefit to nursing home residents and their providers. Indeed, many expressed enthusiasm for extending their roles to include the provision of services in nursing homes. A Malaysian study suggested that management of the quality use of medicines (QUM) in nursing homes is inadequate, with an average of 6.1 medication-related problems for every resident.7 The provision of pharmacist services could help reduce excessive medication usage, improve quality of care and decrease costs of medication use and wastage. Pharmacists could also be involved in medicines policy development and education for nurses and physicians. However, before these initiatives can be effectively implemented, it is important that pharmacists in Malaysia undertake further training on geriatric therapeutics and medication reviews. This study highlights a potential new role for appropriately trained pharmacists within the healthcare system to improve medication use in the nursing home setting. No funding was received for this study. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. All authors contributed to the study concept and design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of data and preparation of manuscript.

Examining Recent Hookah Use, Other Substance Use, and Substance Use Prevention Education Among College Students

ABSTRACTBackground: Hookah tobacco use is an emerging public health problem. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to examine recent hookah tobacco use among college students and potential correlates including other drugs and drug education. Methods: The paper version of the National College Health Assessment II was completed by 765 students enrolled at one urban university. Results: Findings indicated that 14.2% of students used hookah in the past 30 days. Significant differences were found based on recent alcohol, recent cigarette use, recent cigar use, recent smokeless tobacco use, and recent marijuana use. Students who received tobacco education were at increased odds for hookah use (χ2 = 5.592, df = 1, P = .018). The final regression model predicted recent hookah use (omnibus χ2 = 129.779, df = 6, P < .001) and accounted for 15.6% to 28.0% of the variance in recent hookah use. Discussion: Students using hookah were found to use other type of substances, which may warrant attention on college campuses. Translation to Health Education Practice: Study findings indicate that tobacco education programs may not adequately address hookah use. Health Education professionals may need to implement specific lessons on hookah as part of tobacco education programs.A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

An Examination of Universal Drug Education Programming in Ontario, Canada’s Elementary School System

School-based drug education initiatives are designed and marketed to prevent substance use and misuse. Over the past several decades, school-based drug education has evolved from delivering only information about drugs and the negative outcomes of their use to a multi-faceted, interactive approach, with several programs now using a combination of information, decision-making, social competency and to a lesser extent, harm minimization. Our study using a case study of a sample of Ontario, Canada elementary schools, found that the majority of programs that are being offered are selected less by empirically supported outcome studies than popular belief and marketing. Based on our findings we recommend that a consistent set of criteria be established based upon best practices to assist educational decision makers select prevention programs rather than allowing marketing or ideological positions govern what is delivered.