Abstract
Students in one rural, Northeast Missouri, USA school district abused alcohol, marijuana, and
prescription drugs at levels higher than the state average. Youth who perceive a low risk of
harm from substances are more likely to use those substances. Because age of first use is
generally 10-14 years old, a drug prevention intervention focused on these specific substances
for elementary school students was conducted. However, due to lack of resources, only the
educational curriculum component of a comprehensive intervention was implemented. Before
the start and at the finish of the curriculum delivered as one lesson each week for eight weeks,
participants completed the perception of harm reduction survey that accompanied the
program. An increase in percentage of program participants pre-post who reported moderate
to great perceived risk of harm for smoking marijuana was noted, however; the increase was
not significant. This study reinforces the importance of environmental and social support for
any school-wide health behavior change. It is recommended that elementary schools interested
in substance abuse prevention interventions, but do not have the resources or administrative
support to implement a comprehensive initiative, wait until they can acquire all components of
an evidence-based program before attempting a change.
Shayda Afrassiab, Anna Wang, Carol Cox. (2016) Effect of using only the Educational Curriculum of a Comprehensive Substance abuse Prevention Program on Perception of harm in US Elementary Students , Journal of Elementary Education, Volume-26, Issue-2.
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