Hidden drug abuse remains a significant concern for public health. An appropriate intervention is necessary to encourage hidden drug abusers to report their situations and seek professional help. This project aims to develop a community-based network to identify and refer hidden drug abusers in Hong Kong, and assess its effectiveness.
This study will be completed within 18 months, and be divided into 3 Phases, including (1) a video competition for anti-drug abuse, (2) development of a community-based network through training 150 peers aged 13-18 as anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs) to deliver anti-drug messages based on the AWARD model, and (3) a mass promotional campaign organized by ADAs in the community. A one-group pre-test and repeated post-test design will be adopted to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the community-based network. We will assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding anti-drug abuse of the ADAs. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, post-training, 3 months and 6 months after the training workshop.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
250
Each Individual/group will be required to produce a maximum of 2-minute video on one of the following themes: (1) the hazardous effects of drug especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) encouraging messages to drug abusers, and (3) existing anti-drug services.
The workshop will last for 6 hours, and will be delivered by an experienced counsellor from C.H.O.I.C.E. The content of the workshop will include (1) hazardous effects of drug abuse especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) signs and symptoms of drug abuse particularly less psychotropic drugs like Cannabis, (3) alternatives to drug abuse, (4) community resources available, and (5) how to refer drug abusers. Besides, all children will be taught to use the AWARD model for referrals in the workshop.
Ka Yan HO
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: Immediately after the training workshop
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 3 months after the training workshop
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 6 months after the training workshop
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: Immediately after the training workshop
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 3 months after the training workshop
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1
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Children who complete the training workshop in phase 2 will be invited to join phase 3. They are encouraged to design their own promotional activities for community members in the targeted districts. The activities can be delivered by a group (a maximum of 5 ADAs per group) or by an individual. Types of activities can include but not limited to health talks, booths, outreaching activities, games, posters, leaflets and websites. Likewise, if the ADAs encounter any drug abuser in their social circles, the ADAs will be asked to deliver a brief advice based on the AWARD model.
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 6 months after the training workshop
Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires
Personal development questions among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 3 months after the training workshop
Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires
Personal development questions among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Time frame: 6 months after the training workshop