NCJ Number
125731
Journal
Drug Education Journal of Australia Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 35-44
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a 4-year evaluation of the efficacy of a psychosocial-based drug education program beginning with grade 6 students in the Illawarra Region of New South Wales.
Abstract
The research format consisted of a pre-and post-test experimental and control group design that followed 619 students from late primary school until high school in grade 10. Longitudinal and cross sectional analysis of data for major drug categories: alcohol, tobacco, analgesics, and marijuana is presented to identify trends and the relationship between attitudes and behavior. In addition, regression analysis focuses on the predictive power of attitudes and specific drug use behavior for subsequent drug use and the ability to resist peer pressures. Results indicate that an early education program based on psychosocial principles can produce positive changes in drug taking behavior, although booster session throughout the middle years are required. 21 references, 5 tables, and 3 figures. (Author abstract modified)