Substance misuse prevention among School Aged students

Presenters

Adam MeachamFollow

Disciplines

Social Work

Abstract (300 words maximum)

Problem

School aged children are particularly at higher risk for mental health and substance misuse related problems, more so since COVID 19 epidemic. Environmental risk factors have been identified by SAMHSA such as poverty, divorce, peer drug use, early aggressive behavior among many others, are cumulative over a person’s lifetime with respect to behavioral health. As risk factors accumulate and protective factors correspondingly decrease, children experience higher rates of substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

Literature Review

The literature review covers two main topics: effectiveness of prevention programs; schools-community partnerships. Peer education models have had success with enhancing student knowledge about addiction as well as increasing levels of self-efficacy perception. One example of a successful partnership is the FACES program in Ontario. Results from the program showed a positive impact on community engagement for participating stakeholders, as well as a smoother transition for the children.

Program Implementation and Evaluation Methodology

9 KSU students were trained in in SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework) model, Mindfullness and Sources of Strength. Two schools with very diverse student populations were selected to partner with KSU for these three interventions. Students from one school were trained in SPF and Mindfullness; students from the second school were trained in SPF and Sources of Strength.


This presentation will provide an overview of the pre-post test results from the SPF training since the post-test from Mindfullness and Sources of Strength will occur in May. Also, the presentation will provide an overview of the partnership and action-based research.

Academic department under which the project should be listed

WCHHS - Social Work and Human Services

Primary Investigator (PI) Name

Monica Nandan

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 

Substance misuse prevention among School Aged students

Problem

School aged children are particularly at higher risk for mental health and substance misuse related problems, more so since COVID 19 epidemic. Environmental risk factors have been identified by SAMHSA such as poverty, divorce, peer drug use, early aggressive behavior among many others, are cumulative over a person’s lifetime with respect to behavioral health. As risk factors accumulate and protective factors correspondingly decrease, children experience higher rates of substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

Literature Review

The literature review covers two main topics: effectiveness of prevention programs; schools-community partnerships. Peer education models have had success with enhancing student knowledge about addiction as well as increasing levels of self-efficacy perception. One example of a successful partnership is the FACES program in Ontario. Results from the program showed a positive impact on community engagement for participating stakeholders, as well as a smoother transition for the children.

Program Implementation and Evaluation Methodology

9 KSU students were trained in in SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework) model, Mindfullness and Sources of Strength. Two schools with very diverse student populations were selected to partner with KSU for these three interventions. Students from one school were trained in SPF and Mindfullness; students from the second school were trained in SPF and Sources of Strength.


This presentation will provide an overview of the pre-post test results from the SPF training since the post-test from Mindfullness and Sources of Strength will occur in May. Also, the presentation will provide an overview of the partnership and action-based research.