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Objective: The aim of this study was to pilot and evaluate the feasibility of an early intervention programme for low-risk drug users in the Philippines. Design: The early intervention consists of three sessions delivered by paraprofessionals focusing on stress, wellbeing, substance use, family and drug use and communication skills. The study was conducted in two phases. In the pilot phase, a randomised controlled trial design was used. In the second phase, a larger field cohort evaluation study design was implemented. Setting: The randomised controlled trial in the first phase was undertaken in four local government units (LGUs). The second phase took place in 13 LGUs in three island clusters in the Philippines. Methods: In the first phase, 42 low-risk users from three urban and one rural community were randomly assigned to treatment and wait-control groups. In the second phase, 744 low-risk users undertook the programme. In both phases, the pretest and posttest measured recovery skills, life skills, quality of life, perceived family support, wellbeing and intent to use drugs. Results: In the first phase, analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed significant differences in pretest and posttest scores in recovery skills and quality of life of participants compared to those who did not participate in the programmes. In the second phase, paired-sample t -test revealed significant improvements in terms of recovery skills, life skills, quality of life, perceived family support, wellbeing and intent to use drugs. Path analysis provided support for the programme's theory of change. Facilitators perceived the programme to be effective and easy to implement. Conclusions: The study suggests that an early intervention focusing on mental health and substance use delivered by paraprofessionals may be a viable means to reduce drug use and improve mental health in countries such as the Philippines that have little resources and scarce mental health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: analizar el sentido de coherencia y las habilidades para la vida y su relación con el cumplimiento del estilo de vida saludable. Método: estudio observacional transversal en personas con prediabetes atendidas en atención primaria, quienes respondieron a un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y hábitos saludables y a los cuestionarios de sentido de coherencia y habilidades para la vida. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariante y un modelo de regresión múltiple. Resultados: los y las participantes con mayor sentido de coherencia son quienes presentan mayores habilidades para la vida (Pearson = 0.470; p ⩽ 0.001) y mantienen un estilo de vida más saludable (B:1.24; p = 0.001). Una mayor puntuación de las habilidades de la vida se relaciona con un estilo de vida saludable (Pearson = 0.355, p < 0.001). El sentido de coherencia predice el estilo de vida saludable (BB = 0.21, p = 0.001). Conclusión: las personas con prediabetes con un mayor sentido de coherencia y más habilidades para la vida realizan conductas más saludables con relación a la dieta, al ejercicio físico y al hábito tabáquico. Las personas con mayor sentido de coherencia tienen mayor probabilidad de seguir el estilo de vida saludable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This US study examined dissociation, rejection sensitivity and identity distress among adults who experienced adoption as a child and the relationship between these factors. Further, groups of adoptees recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and social media were compared to assess whether these two recruitment methods achieve similar results. Adopted adults (n = 389) and non-adopted adults (n = 151) completed an online survey. Significant differences were found between adopted and non-adopted groups on the measures of dissociation, rejection sensitivity and identity. Rejection sensitivity and dissociation were also found to be better predictors of identity problems than adoption status alone. Recruitment methods resulted in significant differences on measures. Implications for consideration in a clinical setting are discussed as well as potential areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: International agencies report the importance of health promotion in planning educational strategies and school management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the benefits of using a Health Promoting School (HPS) approach to guide educational and school policy during the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy, the main objectives and practices to be implemented, and the challenges likely to be faced. Design: A three-phase qualitative and participatory approach: (1) identification of study objectives and relevant data, (2) data collection through an online form using open-ended questions (14 participants), and (3) online meetings to analyse the findings and reach consensus (17 participants). Setting: Educational leaders from the HPS Network in the Lombardy region in northern Italy participated in the study. Method: Qualitative content analysis was undertaken. Answers were coded into meaningful units and then grouped under higher-order headings. Codes, subcategories, categories and themes were identified. Results: Results suggested high potentiality, significance and sustainability of the HPS model during the pandemic. Objectives and actions relevant to each HPS component were identified. Adaptations to content and methodology, timing, continuity and inequalities requiring specific forms of intervention were identified. Conclusion: This study sought to develop an HPS model relevant to implementation during the COVID-19 epidemic and identified specific lines of action during this challenging period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Canada, the rate of opioid use, opioid use disorder (OUD), and associated mortality and morbidity are higher among Indigenous Peoples than the general population. Indigenous Peoples on medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) often face distinct barriers that hinder their clinical progress, leading to treatment attrition. Methods: We used a social-ecological model to inquire into clients' experiences with a history of treatment failure for OUD. We used exploratory qualitative research to engage 22 clients with a history of OUD treatment dropouts and who are currently on MOUD. In-depth, semi-structured interviews lasting an average of 30 minutes were conducted on-site. Results: We identified 4 themes from the study: (a) risk for substance use; (b) factors sustaining substance use; (c) factors leading to treatment, and (d) treatment failure and re-enrollment. Conclusion: Using a socio-ecological model helps to understand factors that influence an individual's risk for OUD, decision to pursue treatment, and treatment outcomes. Furthermore, social ecological model also creates possibilities to develop supportive, multilevel interventions to prevent OUD risks and support for clients on MOUD. Such interventions include mitigating adverse childhood experiences, supporting families, and creating safe community environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individual predictors of drinking behaviors among second-generation immigrant adolescents are still understudied. This study investigated emotion regulation strategies and alcohol abuse in 472 adolescents (86 second-generation immigrants and 386 Italian natives; age range: 17–18). The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were used to assess cognitive reappraisal, emotional suppression, and alcohol abuse, respectively. Immigrants reported lower alcohol abuse than natives. A negative relationship between cognitive reappraisal and alcohol abuse was found for immigrants, but not for natives. Specifically, cognitive reappraisal was a protective factor against alcohol abuse only for immigrant adolescents. Clinical and research implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following study assessed whether future orientation mediated the effects of peer norms and parental monitoring on delinquency and substance use among 549 African American adolescents. Structural equation modeling computed direct and indirect (meditational) relationships between parental monitoring and peer norms through future orientation. Parental monitoring significantly correlated with lower delinquency through future orientation (B = −.05, standard deviation =.01, p <.01). Future orientation mediated more than quarter (27.70%) of the total effect of parental monitoring on delinquency. Overall findings underscore the importance of strengthening resilience factors for African American youth, especially those who live in low-income communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary focus of this paper is to test the cross-national generalizability of the relationship between parental attachment and delinquency. Countries were divided on individualistic and collectivistic dimensions. Individualistic countries emphasize the degree to which individuals are supposed to look after themselves whereas collectivist counties emphasize group integration, usually around the family, and the achievement of group over individual goals. Average individual-level associations between parental attachment and crime were examined across 26 nations in an international dataset of delinquency and victimization of 12–15-year-old students in grades 7–9. Low levels of parental attachment and parental supervision were found to be more strongly related to deviance in countries with individualistic as opposed to collectivist cultural orientations. Alternative explanations for this relationship are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We reviewed the literature for preventive programs against illicit drug use that specifically target adults aged 18-25 (i.e. emerging adults).Methods: Narrative review of preventive programs that have a high strength of recommendation according to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grading system.Results: Prevention programs that met the criteria are school and college based, family-based, community based, peer-led, workplace-based, and technology-based interventions. They target the known modifiable risk factors associated with illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults.Conclusion: The preventive programs we reviewed are utilizing evidence-based strategies for the prevention of illicit drug use. Further research is needed to formulate new and effective preventive strategies for the reduction of illicit drug use by emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major topic of debate is whether children with autism spectrum disorder should be educated in inclusive or specialized settings. We examined the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of delivering the Group-Early Start Denver Model to children with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive versus specialized classrooms. We randomly assigned 44 preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder to receive the Group-Early Start Denver Model across one school calendar year in classrooms that included only children with autism spectrum disorder or mostly children who were typically developing. Blind-rated indicators of teaching quality showed similar results across settings, which were above the local benchmark. Children showed improvements across blinded proximal measures of spontaneous vocalization, social interaction, and imitation and across distal measures of verbal cognition, adaptive behavior, and autism symptoms irrespective of intervention setting. Mothers of participants experienced a reduction in stress irrespective of child intervention setting. Across both settings, age at intervention start was negatively associated with gains in verbal cognition. Delivery of Group-Early Start Denver Model in an inclusive setting appeared to be feasible, with no significant differences in teaching quality and child improvements when the program was implemented in inclusive versus specialized classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Low socioeconomic status young people in low- and middle-income countries use tobacco at higher rates than their wealthier peers. School-based tobacco use prevention interventions that employ a life skills approach are effective at preventing tobacco use. In India, the Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF) has implemented a multiyear, multicomponent life skills education programme in Mumbai schools to prevent tobacco use. A quantitative evaluation found that SBF programme exposure was associated with not only reduced tobacco use but also improved life skills, self-esteem and self-efficacy. To illuminate how programme exposure engendered these effects, we compared the experiences and perceptions of eighth and ninth grade students (ages 13–15) between SBF and non-SBF schools. Methods: We divided Mumbai into four quadrants or regions and randomly selected one SBF and non-SBF school from each quadrant; 10 participants were then randomly selected from one class per school. A total of eight group discussions (N = 80 participants) were conducted using mind-mapping with a focus on students' daily life, future aspirations and non-academic school programming. Researchers analysed the data thematically. Results: Despite similar home lives, SBF students were profoundly more optimistic about their future than non-SBF students. SBF students attributed this increased optimism and agency to opportunities to actively advocate against tobacco, formal recognition in a published newsletter, a sense of belonging to a 'Super Army' and supportive mentorship provided by their Super Army and peer leaders. The SBF programme created a safe space in which to build resilience. Conclusion: These findings can guide development of programmes for vulnerable populations with broader goals than tobacco prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 1 in 9 teenagers and young adults aged 16-24 in the United States is currently disconnected from school and employment. These disconnected young people (ie, opportunity youth) are not only at high risk for long-term emotional, behavioral, and health problems, but they also represent a loss of human capital, with high social and economic costs. In this article, we offer a public health perspective on opportunity youth by describing their distribution in the population and consequences of their disconnection; proposing a conceptual model of the issue based on epidemiological principles, life course development concepts, and ecological theory; and recommending multisector strategies for preventing disconnection of young people and reengaging opportunity youth. A public health approach to the problem of opportunity youth would involve developing and investing in youth monitoring data systems that can be coordinated across multiple sectors, consolidating both the delivery and funding of services for opportunity youth, developing policies and programs that encourage engagement of young people, and fostering systematic approaches to the testing and scaling up of preventive and reengagement interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools are an important venue for implementing drug prevention programmes. School-based programmes have been shown to be an efficacious and cost-effective method of reducing substance use disorders among youth. There exists lack of consensus, however, regarding who makes the most effective programme providers. Drug prevention programmes are led by a wide variety of people, including classroom teachers, mental health professionals and the police. Few studies specifically examine the relative effectiveness of different facilitators and existing results are mixed. This has made it difficult to determine empirically which group makes the most effective programme providers. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to present information that can be used by school officials, educators and policymakers to inform choices regarding who should implement drug prevention programmes in schools. The paper will include a brief introduction to universal classroom-based drug prevention in the USA and an overview of the role of facilitator. A discussion of the practical implications and relative (dis)advantages of using persons from three commonly used provider types (classroom teachers, mental health professionals and the police) is also provided. The paper concludes with a brief summary of programme provider issues in an international context. The information presented in this paper provides important insights for schools as they attempt to select the most appropriate programme providers for their specific communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Age of initiation of drug use is closely associated with the risk of developing drug dependence or abuse. Effective programmes are needed to prevent adolescents from using drugs at an early age. The aim of this intervention programme was to prevent adolescents from using illegal drugs by using drama in education (DIE) to convey a universal prevention strategy. Method: We recruited 65 children aged 14-15 years from two junior high schools and assigned them to experimental (n = 34) and comparison (n = 31) groups. The experimental group attended six 45-minute sessions of a DIE preventive programme. The comparison group received traditional didactic teaching. We used a generalised estimating equation (GEE) to analyse the data. Results: GEE analysis revealed that the experimental group showed significant improvements in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and drug-free intentions compared with counterparts in the comparison group. Student feedback indicated that DIE method can contribute to the prevention of illegal drug use. Conclusion: Applying DIE method to a theory-based drug prevention programme offers a promising way of increasing the intention to not use illegal drugs among students aged 14-15 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of Cool and Clean, Switzerland’s largest substance use prevention programme, targeted specifically at 10- to 20-year-olds who belong to a sports club and train as part of a team. Method: Based on a representative sample of young people who belong to a sports club and train as part of a team (both participants and non-participants in ‘cool and clean’), a post-test–only static group comparison was used to analyse data on 1,887 individuals from 179 teams (mean age: 13.8; 33.5% girls). Outcome variables included sports-related aspects (achievement motivation, fair play); attitudes towards tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use, and doping; and substance use (tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use). Results: Cool and Clean participants self-reported beneficial effects of the programme in all outcome areas. They also had a more critical attitude towards doping and substance use in general and had a lower reported frequency of cannabis use than non-participants. We found no significant group differences in terms of sports-related variables, tobacco and alcohol use. However, in each of these areas, better outcomes were found among Cool and Clean participants who trained with teams that implemented the programme more comprehensively. Conclusions: There is cross-sectional evidence for the effectiveness of the Cool and Clean programme. Moreover, the level of impact of the programme depends not only on participation per se but also, and more decisively, on how comprehensively the programme is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of caffeinated beverages is associated with increased risk-taking behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine if acute caffeine administration influences risk-taking behavior in a dose-dependent manner. Participants were pre- (ages 8-9) and post-pubertal (ages 15-17) children who visited the laboratory three times and consumed a beverage containing 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg of caffeine. Thirty minutes later, participants completed the balloon analogue risk task (BART), the Iowa gambling task (IGT), and a delay discounting task. The number of balloons exploded on the BART task was significantly increased after 2 mg/kg of caffeine in moderate caffeine consumers, but was decreased after 2 mg/kg of caffeine in high caffeine consumers. There were no main effects of caffeine dose on the delay discounting task or on the IGT. Post-pubertal participants showed reduced delay discounting compared with pre-pubertal participants. Finally, average daily caffeine use was significantly, positively correlated with scores on a risk-taking questionnaire. These data suggest that caffeine dose-dependently influences decision making and risk taking. More research is needed to determine the mechanism of this difference as well as the extent to which sex and pubertal phase influence these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considerable attention has been focused on the impact of young people’s alcohol use. To address this, schools often implement alcohol and drug education and there are many potential programmes to choose from. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based alcohol education programmes for schools. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of school-based programmes that targeted alcohol within a school setting and included at least one alcohol behaviour or knowledge change outcome. Six-hundred seventy-five abstracts were screened resulting in 454 studies assessed for eligibility, with 70 studies, evaluating 40 individual programmes, included in the final review. Results: Of the 40 programmes, 3 had good evidence of a positive effect. They included CLIMATE Schools (Australia), Project ALERT (USA) and All Stars (USA). Of the others, 4 showed some evidence of positive effect, 1 had no evidence of effect, 29 were inconclusive and 2 showed negative outcomes, such as increases in alcohol use. Although many programmes were evaluated, very few had sufficient evidence to be able to endorse their widespread implementation in schools. Conclusion: Three programmes included in the review had sufficient positive outcomes to be recommended for implementation, and four showed good outcomes in some areas. Schools should consider these results when deciding on introducing alcohol education. Overall, the evidence base is broad but relatively weak and further research is required, focusing on programmes identified as having good or potentially good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare and Ministry of Education launched the Health-Promoting School (HPS) program in 2002. One of the most significant barriers to evaluating HPS is the absence of adequate instruments. The main aim of this study is to develop the Taiwan Health-Promoting School Accreditation System (HPSAS) framework and then evaluate its accreditation effectiveness.Methods: The HPSAS accreditation standards were derived mainly from the World Health Organization (WHO) publication, WHO Health Promoting Schools: A Framework for Action in 2008 and the Taiwan School Health Act. Delphi technique and pilot test were used to confirm the availability and acceptability of the standards and procedures for HPSAS in 2011. After that, two rounds of school evaluations were completed in 2012 (214 participant schools) and 2014 (182 participant schools). The accreditation operation process included documentary reviews, national and international accredited commissioners conducted on-site visits. Descriptive analyses were used to indicate HPS award level distribution.Results: The study established six key HPSAS standards. Each standard had at least two components; overall, there were 21 components and 47 scoring elements. Of the participating schools evaluated in 2012, four were at the gold, 14 silver, and 120 bronze levels, compared with five, 20, and 31, respectively, of schools evaluated in 2014. The study showed that schools at different award levels had different full-score rates in six standards. The schools at the gold level performed exceptionally well. The worst performance among the six standards at each award level was in the skill-based health curriculum.Conclusion: The HPSAS is an objective instrument used to evaluate the process and outcomes of the HPS program. In the future, combinations of different types of data (e.g. students' health behaviors, school climate, or teachers' health-teaching innovations) will enable further validation of the HPS effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which social smoking expectations mediate the relationship between adolescent smoking behaviour and the smoking behaviour of family and peers. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Setting: Taiwan, Republic of China. Method: The participants were 921 senior high school students who completed a questionnaire to measure smoking status, family and peer smoking and social smoking expectations. The survey was conducted from November to December in 2009. Structural equation modelling was performed to test a mediation model. Analysis was performed using PRELIS 2 and LISREL 8.7 software. Results: After adjusting for students’ gender, age and school type, it is clear that social expectations mediate the relationship between sibling smoking, peer smoking and adolescent smoking. The path coefficients of sibling and peer smoking on social expectations in the mediator model were moderate, β = .15–.41, p < .05, but the coefficient of social expectations on adolescent smoking was strong, β = .95, p < .001. The total indirect effects between exogenous latent variables and adolescent smoking were .54, indicating a strong association that, in this model, is explained by the mediation of social expectations. Conclusion: Determining the mechanisms that influence adolescent smoking is of scientific interest because knowledge of these mechanisms is a prerequisite for the development of recommendations aimed at prevention. With this knowledge, health professionals can develop smoking-prevention policies and education programmes based on reducing the mediating effect of social smoking expectations on the relationship of family smoking and peer smoking with adolescent smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: REBOUND is a novel media-based life skills and risk education programme developed for 14- to 25-year olds in school, university or youth group settings. This paper outlines the programme’s rationale, curriculum and implementation. It provides information of relevance to researchers, programme developers and policymakers. Methods/design of the programme: The programme is based on a form of cooperative learning. It is facilitated by teachers and other professionals and supported by peer mentors. The curriculum is centred around ‘explorative film work’ with short films/videos depicting risk behaviours and life challenges. The methodology aims to promote risk competence and positive norm-building in social groups. The programme consists of a course comprising 16 units, 10 of which focus on psychosocial strength (resilience) and 6 on risks of alcohol and other drugs. Implementation is supported by a mentoring system, a voluntary eLearning component and tools for organisational development. The programme has been evaluated with about 1,000 students in the intervention group of a controlled study using a mixed-method design involving structured stakeholder and peer feedback. Discussion: REBOUND is one of the few health promotion/prevention programmes to have been entirely developed together with those (students, facilitators, school administrators) for whom the programme is intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of social marketing is based on a set of underlying principles that have not yet been tested. In the future, a series of experiments will be necessary to bring the application of social marketing to its peak. This article outlines an action plan for research in social marketing in order to push its limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La pratique du marketing social est basée sur un ensemble de principes sous-jacents qui n’ont pas encore été testés. Dans le futur, une série d’expériences sera nécessaire pour amener l’application du marketing à son apogée. Cet article souligne un plan d’action pour la recherche en marketing social afin d’en repousser les limites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined associations between negative family exchanges (patient perceptions of family overprotection and negative expressiveness, and patient feelings of being a burden), and two indicators of adaptation to illness (mental health and negative affect) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Data were collected using the perceptions of illness-related family exchanges questionnaire, the SF36 and the PANAS in a structured interview with 127 patients with ESRD in Greece. Findings indicate that patient perceptions of negative family exchanges are related to outcomes, even after controlling for demographic and clinical factors. It is important to consider caregivers in intervention programmes of ESRD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study that seeks to determine whether or not reports from children and parents regarding parenting practices are correlated. Ethnically diverse parents and students in Chicago, Illinois serve as subjects of the study. It discloses that parent's reports and children's perceptions on parenting practices are not strongly associated.

We examined the prevalence and predictors of 11strategies to avoid driving when feeling intoxicated among 561 bar-room patrons in two medium-sized Maryland communities. Logistic regression analyses identified demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal predictors of avoidance strategies and interactions among predictors. Overall, 89% reported one or more DWI avoidance actions in the past year, and 38% reported driving intoxicated during that time. Average frequencies of avoidance behavior and intoxicated driving increased significantly as drinking level increased. However, the higher the drinking level, the smaller the ratio of avoidance actions to DWI experiences, highlighting the vulnerability of heavy drinkers who had driven intoxicated. Using a sober driver or one who allegedly drank less than the respondent were the most popular and frequent strategies, but paying for a cab, walking, and using a bus or free cab were relatively unpopular. Higher drinking levels predicted significantly higher odds of using avoidance approaches, as did intoxicated driving. Confidence in driving safely when intoxicated was positively related to drinking level and intoxicated driving, but it tended to predict lower odds of avoidance actions. Similarly, marital status, age, gender, and location influenced the odds of avoidance behaviors. Interventions should be strategically tailored to exploit or counter drinker predilections among avoidance options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of a smoking prevention educational resource for secondary education students named ;I do not smoke, I exercise'. The main focus of this program was the promotion of exercise as an alternative behaviour to smoking. METHODS: The applicability of the intervention was assessed through questionnaires regarding: (a) attitudes towards smoking, (b) interest in information about smoking, and (c) knowledge about health consequences of smoking. Moreover, interviews were taken from the educators and the school principals. The questionnaires were completed from 210 students (101 boys and 109 girls) before the beginning, at the end of the program, and 12 months after the completion of the programme. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed to examine the differences between the pre-, post-, and the follow-up measures. RESULTS: Results showed that the program succeeded in changing the students' attitudes, but the follow-up measures, 12 months later, showed that attitudes towards smoking and interest in information were relapsed to the pre-intervention levels. The only effect that was sustained was that for knowledge. The interviews also revealed positive comments about the program implementation and pointed some shortcomings. CONCLUSIONS: The program needs some modifications in order to overcome its weaknesses, have more lasting effects and to improve its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the factors affecting fidelity to the prevention of substance use curriculum guides in middle schools. The fidelity of middle school teachers in the implementation of substance use prevention curricula is considered necessary to efficiency. The factors affecting the fidelity of teachers to curricula guides are assessed using data from national sample of 1905 lead substance use prevention teachers. The study revealed that about one-fifth of teachers did not use the curriculum guide at all while 15% reported that they followed it closely. Adherence of teachers were associated with beliefs about the efficiency of the training they received and the support they received from the principals.

Numerous alcohol and drug abuse prevention trials have included social resistance training as a strategy for reducing early-stage adolescent alcohol use. Evaluations of these trials has shown them to be moderately effective, although the precise impact of the resistance training in comparison to other programmatic features has not been clearly identified. The current study examined the extent to which assertiveness and related social skills, personal competence (perceived cognitive mastery), and refusal efficacy predict alcohol involvement. Males were at greater risk for poor refusal skills and reported higher alcohol involvement. Cross-sectionally, youth characterized by poor social skill development reported lower refusal efficacy, lower grades, poor competence, and more alcohol use. Poor refusal efficacy was associated with more risk-taking, lower grades, less competence, and more alcohol use. Longitudinally, both poor refusal skills and risk-taking were associated with higher alcohol use. High personal competence was associated with lower alcohol use in both the eighth and tenth grades, but had no long-term effects on alcohol use. Findings highlight the close interplay between perceived competence and refusal skill efficacy, both of which should be included as essential components of school-based prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of illicit drug use and its associated factors among male adolescents in Malaysia. Data of 13 135 adolescents were extracted from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional survey among school-going adolescents in Malaysia aged between 13 and 17 years, using a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling. A complex sample design analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. The overall prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use among male adolescents was 6.6%. The multivariable model showed that illicit drug use among male adolescents were associated with younger age, rural school area, marital status of parent, current smoker, ever having sex, truancy, involved in physical fight, and lack of peer support. The findings from this study can assist community and relevant authorities in their efforts to combat illicit drug usage among adolescents using intervention programs that diminishes risk factors and enhances the protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]