Development of a Community-based Network for Drug Abusers

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Adolescent

Treatments: Behavioral: A mass promotional campaign; Behavioral: A training workshop; Behavioral: A video competition

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04400526

BDF 190003

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 250 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 13 to 18 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 13 - 18 years
• Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese

Exclusion criteria

• identified cognitive, behavioral or learning problem(s)
• identified mental illness(es)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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250 participants in 3 patient groups

Phase 1: A video competition for anti-drug abuse

Other group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: A video competition

Phase 2: Developing a community-based network

Other group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: A training workshop

Phase 3: A mass promotional campaign

Other group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: A mass promotional campaign