Effectiveness of an Awareness Programme On Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Substance Use Disorder among Adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.561Keywords:
Effectiveness, Knowledge & Attitude, Awareness Programme, , Substance Use Disorder, AdolescentsAbstract
Background: Dependence to drugs and alcohol among adolescents is becoming more prevalent across the country. Adolescents are frequently the first one to experience substance abuse. It may affect their relationships, reputations, prospects, finances, self-images. Their lives are jeopardised and most importantly it may lead to deterioration of grades.
Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of awareness programs on knowledge and attitude regarding substance use disorder among adolescents.
Materials and Methods: Quantitative research approach with convenience sampling technique was followed to include 63 participants from St. Paul College, Moradabad. Demographic information, knowledge assessment questionnaire and attitude assessment scale on substance use disorder were used to gather data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for data analysis.
Results: It was found that the pre-test knowledge score of the student was 18.68±5.26 and the post-test knowledge score increased to 26.54 ± 3.2, (t-value =10.567 and p=0.001) which was highly statistically significant indicating that the awareness programme was effective on knowledge regarding substance use disorder. The pre-test attitude score was found to be 21.75±4.87 which was reduced to 20.21 ± 3.16 following intervention (t - value 2.345, p=0.022) and the mean difference was statistically significant suggesting that the awareness programme is effective on attitude regarding substance use disorder.
Conclusion: Substance use disorder poses a significant risk to health. In our country, adolescent specific substance use programmes are few, and research evidence regarding the effect of awareness programme on knowledge, attitude and practice is less. The Awareness Programme developed in the present study was found to be beneficial as it enhanced the adolescents' knowledge and attitudes toward substance use disorder. Hence the Awareness Programme is feasible, practical, and has significant implications for the field.
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