Development of a Community-based Network for Drug Abusers
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
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.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
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 Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Other: Phase 1: A video competition for anti-drug abuse Phase 1 aims to increase the public awareness of hazardous effects of drug abuses and existing resources available for drug abusers through a video competition. We will co-organize a video competition for anti-drug abuse with C.H.O.I.C.E. The competition will appeal to the participation of all children (aged 13-18) living in the four targeted districts. |
Behavioral: A video competition
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.
|
| Other: Phase 2: Developing a community-based network Phase 2 aims to develop a community-based network through training anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs). We target to recruit a total of 150 children aged 13 - 18 as ADAs through secondary schools and community centres in the four targeted districts by sending invitation letters. The content of the workshop will be designed by our expert panel. 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. |
Behavioral: A training workshop
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.
|
| Other: Phase 3: A mass promotional campaign Phase 3 aims to engage the public to join the community-based network through anti-drug activities organized by anti-drug ambassadors. They are encouraged to design their own promotional activities for community members in the targeted districts.Types of activities can include but not limited to health talks, booths, outreaching activities, games, posters, leaflets and websites. |
Behavioral: A mass promotional campaign
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.
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Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 [Immediately after the training workshop]
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 [3 months after the training workshop]
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 [6 months after the training workshop]
Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 [Immediately after the training workshop]
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 [3 months after the training workshop]
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 [6 months after the training workshop]
Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires [3 months after the training workshop]
Personal development questions among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
- Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires [6 months after the training workshop]
Personal development questions among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
-
Aged 13 - 18 years
-
Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese
Exclusion Criteria:
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identified cognitive, behavioral or learning problem(s)
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identified mental illness(es)
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ka Yan HO | Hong Kong | Hong Kong, China | Hong Kong | 0000 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Ka Yan Ho, PhD, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- BDF 190003