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Chandrakar R, Srivastav S, Babhulkar V, Gupta S, Agrawal S, Jaiswal A, Prasad R, Wanjari MB. The Need for Action: Addressing Inhalant Abuse and Whitener Addiction Among Adolescents. Cureus 2023; 15:e40339. [PMID: 37456429 PMCID: PMC10338889 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalant abuse and whitener addiction are serious problems among adolescents that have significant consequences for physical and mental health, as well as for families, communities, and society as a whole. This review article discusses the causes and health consequences of inhalant abuse and whitener addiction among adolescents, as well as the challenges in addressing the problem. The paper also outlines strategies for addressing inhalant abuse and whitener addiction, including education and awareness campaigns; early intervention and treatment; collaboration between schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations; and support for families affected by inhalant abuse and addiction. The paper concludes with a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members to prioritize and address inhalant abuse and whitener addiction among adolescents. By working together, we can help to prevent substance abuse and promote the health and well-being of our youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Chandrakar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Samriddhi Srivastav
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Vaishnavi Babhulkar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shalvi Gupta
- Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sristy Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Arpita Jaiswal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roshan Prasad
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Mayur B Wanjari
- Department of Research and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Tam CC, Smout SA, Wall CSJ, Mason KL, Benotsch EG. Behavioral Intervention for Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Narrative Review. Pediatr Clin North Am 2022; 69:807-818. [PMID: 35934501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a public health crisis. In 2020, more Americans died of drug overdose than in any prior year, and the nonmedical use of opioids and other prescription drugs contributed significantly to that total. Young adults and adolescents report the highest rates of NMUPD, relative to other age groups. This article provides a narrative review of interventions for young adults and adolescents to prevent NMUPD, including interventions directed at the individual, family or other small group, and community. The interventions reviewed included those that were delivered in person and via technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Chi Tam
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Green Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Shelby A Smout
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA
| | - Catherine S J Wall
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA
| | - Kyle Liam Mason
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA
| | - Eric G Benotsch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA.
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3
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Kaswa R. Primary healthcare approach to substance abuse management. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2021; 63:e1-e4. [PMID: 34082558 PMCID: PMC8378164 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v63i1.5307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse is common amongst patients attending primary healthcare settings. Despite the substantial impact on one’s health, substance abuse is often underdiagnosed by primary care providers owing to a lack of training and time for screening. Self-reported screening tools are easy to administer and efficient to make a substance abuse diagnosis in primary care settings. Comorbid mental illness and intimate partner violence are common amongst patients presenting with substance abuse in primary care. An early diagnosis and a brief behavioural change counselling are effective in managing substance abuse before it develops into dependency. A brief motivational communication rather than a confrontation during substance abuse screening, counselling and treatment is important to achieve optimum patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramprakash Kaswa
- Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha.
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4
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Nwagu EN, Dibia SIC, Odo AN. Community Readiness for Drug Abuse Prevention in Two Rural Communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. SAGE Open Nurs 2020; 6:2377960820963758. [PMID: 33415302 PMCID: PMC7774345 DOI: 10.1177/2377960820963758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug abuse is an issue that affects all people regardless of gender, race,
ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status. It is associated with a range of
physical, social, and economic consequences at both individual and community
levels. Community involvement is necessary for effective drug abuse
prevention. Communities need to be ready for such involvement. Methods We applied the Community Readiness Model and its assessment tool to determine
the level of readiness for prevention of drug abuse in Obukpa and Ubollo
communities of Nsukka and Udenu Local Government Areas of Enugu North
Senatorial zone, Nigeria. Community Readiness Model and the Tool are very
useful in identifying gaps in community readiness and capacity as well as
guiding strategies for community initiatives. Twelve key informant
interviews were conducted and analyzed according to procedures outlined in
the Community Readiness handbook. Results The results of the study showed that members of Obukpa and Ubollo communities
were at the vague awareness stage. SWOT analysis of the qualitative data
revealed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within the
communities for an intended intervention to increase level of readiness. One
such strength is the church, which was identified as a viable means of
disseminating information on drug abuse prevention in both communities. Conclusion Rural communities are vulnerable to drug-related problems as a result of low
levels of awareness of the dangers of drug abuse. The findings of this study
provided strategies and directions for future intervention programmes in the
study area. Nurses and other health personnel involved in Community Health
Education should take cognizance of the strengths, weaknesses and
opportunities within the communities in designing drug abuse prevention
intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn N Nwagu
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Samuel I C Dibia
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Amelia N Odo
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
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5
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Kelley A, Witzel M, Fatupaito B. A review of tribal best practices in substance abuse prevention. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2017; 18:462-475. [DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2017.1378952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Kelley
- Allyson Kelley & Associates PLLC, Sandia Park, New Mexico
| | - Morgan Witzel
- Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, Billings, Montana
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6
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Carnevale JT, Kagan R, Murphy PJ, Esrick J. A practical framework for regulating for-profit recreational marijuana in US States: Lessons from Colorado and Washington. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 42:71-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Schutte CM, Naidoo J, Kakaza M, Pillay M, Hiesgen J. Severe neuropathy due to inhalant abuse in adolescents from Pretoria. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2014.975483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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8
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Collins D, Saylor B, Johnson K. Community Influence on Youth's Use of Inhalants and Other Legal Products to Get High in Rural Alaska. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE 2014; 23:253-261. [PMID: 25309112 DOI: 10.1080/1067828x.2013.786939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the use of inhalants and other harmful legal products (HLPs) to get high among pre-adolescents in frontier Alaska communities. Community factors that may influence use of HLPs are highlighted. This study uses secondary data from two NIH studies in 19 Alaska communities. A hierarchal generalized linear modeling technique was used to model community level effects on HLP use. The results show that lifetime use was reported by 18% of the pre-adolescents. Pre-adolescents in "dry" communities (with laws restricting alcohol use) had much higher lifetime and past 30-day HLP use. The results suggest that additional study of the relationship between use of HLPs and local laws governing availability is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Collins
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation - Louisville Center, 1300 S. Fourth Street, Ste. 300, Louisville, KY 40208, (502) 238-7338,
| | - Brian Saylor
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage (Retired)
| | - Knowlton Johnson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation - Louisville Center
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9
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Allen J, Mohatt GV, Beehler S, Rowe HL. People awakening: collaborative research to develop cultural strategies for prevention in community intervention. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 54:100-11. [PMID: 24903819 PMCID: PMC4119558 DOI: 10.1007/s10464-014-9647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicide create immense health disparities among Alaska Native people. The People Awakening project is a long-term collaboration between Alaska Native (AN) communities and university researchers seeking to foster health equity through development of positive solutions to these disparities. These efforts initiated a research relationship that identified individual, family, and community protective factors from AUD and suicide. AN co-researchers next expressed interest in translating these findings into intervention. This led to development of a strengths-based community intervention that is the focus of the special issue. The intervention builds these protective factors to prevent AUD and suicide risk within AN youth, and their families and communities. This review provides a critical examination of existing literature and a brief history of work leading to the intervention research. These work efforts portray a shared commitment of university researchers and community members to function as co-researchers, and to conduct research in accord with local Yup'ik cultural values. This imperative allowed the team to navigate several tensions we locate in a convergence of historical and contemporary ecological contextual factors inherent in AN tribal communities with countervailing constraints imposed by Western science.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Allen
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Population Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, 231 SMed, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812-3031, USA,
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Whitbeck LB, Walls ML, Welch ML. Substance abuse prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2013; 38:428-35. [PMID: 22931077 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2012.695416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In this article we review three categories of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) substance abuse prevention programs: (1) published empirical trials; (2) promising programs published and unpublished that are in the process of development and that have the potential for empirical trials; and (3) examples of innovative grassroots programs that originate at the local level and may have promise for further development. AIAN communities are taking more and more independent control of substance abuse prevention. We point out that European American prevention scientists are largely unaware of the numerous grassroots prevention work going on in AIAN communities and urge a paradigm shift from adapting European American prevention science "best practices" to creating cultural "best practices" by working from inside AIAN communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Les B Whitbeck
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, NE , USA.
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11
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Collins DA, Johnson KW, Shamblen SR. Examining a home environmental strategy to reduce availability of legal products that can be misused by youth. Subst Use Misuse 2012; 47:1339-48. [PMID: 22943304 PMCID: PMC3884673 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2012.716481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This article presents results from a study of a home environmental strategy (HES) designed to reduce availability of harmful legal products (HLPs) in the home that can be used by youth to get high. HLPs include inhalants, prescription and nonprescription drugs, and household products that can be ingested to get high. Availability is one of the most consistent predictors of substance use among youth. Parents of 5th- to 7th-grade students in four Alaskan communities participated in telephone interviews as part of a larger study of a multicomponent community prevention model (CPM) that included a HES. The strategy was designed to encourage parents to reduce availability of HLPs by removing them from the home, and by locking up and monitoring the supplies of HLPs in the home. Data from 402 parents at Wave 1 and 371 parents at Wave 2 were analyzed using hierarchical non-Linear modeling (HNLM). Results show there was a significant decrease in HLPs in the home from Wave 1 to Wave 2, mostly inhalants and prescription and nonprescription drugs. Parents also reported a significant increase in locking up prescription and nonprescription drugs in the home. Parents' direct exposure to the HES was marginally associated with the change over time in HLP availability in the home. Indirect exposure through others and media was not associated with this change. Study lessons learned and conclusions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Collins
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Louisville, Kentucky 40208, USA.
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12
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Johnson KW, Grube JW, Ogilvie KA, Collins D, Courser M, Dirks LG, Ogilvie D, Driscoll D. A community prevention model to prevent children from inhaling and ingesting harmful legal products. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2012; 35:113-123. [PMID: 22054531 PMCID: PMC3210444 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Children's misuse of harmful legal products (HLPs), including inhaling or ingesting everyday household products, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs, constitutes a serious health problem for American society. This article presents a community prevention model (CPM) focusing on this problem among pre and early adolescents. The model, consisting of a community mobilization strategy and environmental strategies targeting homes, schools, and retail outlets, is designed to increase community readiness and reduce the availability of HLPs, which is hypothesized to reduce HLPs use among children. The CPM is being tested in Alaskan rural communities as part of an inprogress eight-year National Institute on Drug Abuse randomized-controlled trial. This paper presents the CPM conceptual framework, describes the model, and highlights community participation, challenges, and lessons learned from implementation of the model over a 21-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Johnson
- Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation - Louisville Center, Louisville, KY 40208, USA.
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13
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Howard MO, Bowen SE, Garland EL, Perron BE, Vaughn MG. Inhalant use and inhalant use disorders in the United States. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2011; 6:18-31. [PMID: 22003419 PMCID: PMC3188822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 22 million Americans age 12 and older have used inhalants, and every year more than 750,000 use inhalants for the first time. Despite the substantial prevalence and serious toxicities of inhalant use, it has been termed "the forgotten epidemic." Inhalant abuse remains the least-studied form of substance abuse, although research on its epidemiology, neurobiology, treatment, and prevention has accelerated in recent years. This review examines current findings in these areas, identifies gaps in the research and clinical literatures pertaining to inhalant use, and discusses future directions for inhalant-related research and practice efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Howard
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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14
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Holder HD. Substance Abuse Treatment as Part of a Total System of Community Response. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/145507251002700601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of substance abuse in many communities throughout the world is often separated from other social and health responses to alcohol and other drug harms. Current responses exist like silos within the community. In addition, there are population-level policy approaches concerning the distribution and sales of alcohol and the restrictions on and enforcement of illegal drugs which also exist only loosely connected to treatment (or prevention for that matter). A systems approach to substance abuse and related problems is described in which evaluation addresses both clinical patient needs as well as overall performance demonstration. Effectiveness can be measured both by population level reductions in use and associated problems, a second level of accountability, i.e., documented reductions in problems of at risk groups or clients whose drinking or drug use patterns place them at risk for future problems, and a third level of response for individuals with clearly identified substance-related problems, which requires intervention at the person level (typically called treatment). Thus within such a comprehensive system, treatment and prevention would lose their separate identities and would be employed according to local needs and the potential to achieve desired effects where the overall system is required to select the mix of strategies which maximizes effectiveness at each level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold D. Holder
- Prevention Research Center Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation Berkeley, California, USA
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15
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Johnson KW, Ogilvie KA, Collins DA, Shamblen SR, Dirks LG, Ringwalt CL, Norland JJ. Studying implementation quality of a school-based prevention curriculum in frontier Alaska: application of video-recorded observations and expert panel judgment. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2010; 11:275-86. [PMID: 20358287 PMCID: PMC3569516 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-010-0174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses the implementation quality of Think Smart, a school-based drug prevention curriculum that was designed to reduce use of harmful legal products (HLPs; e.g., inhalants and over-the-counter drugs), alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among 5th- and 6th-grade students in frontier Alaska. Participating in the study were eight communities that took part in a larger randomized control trial to assess the short-term effects of the Think Smart curriculum. Video-recorded observations of the 12 core and 3 booster lessons were conducted in 20 classrooms. Ninety-five sessions were randomly selected from 228 usable videodiscs, and two pairs of researchers observed each video recording to code level of dosage, adherence to curriculum design, and teachers' delivery skills. Inter-rater reliability for all implementation quality measures was very high. An expert panel consisting of 16 scientists reviewed the results of the implementation study and concluded that the level of dosage and adherence to the curriculum design was at least as high as those yielded by similar studies. However, the panel assessed the delivery quality to be only marginal in comparison to results of other studies. The experts concluded that the implementation quality of the Think Smart curriculum was adequate even though the teachers' delivery skills were only marginal. A bootstrapping analysis, in which 1,000 samples were drawn for each implementation quality result, found the expert judgments to be reliable. The authors conclude that despite some limitations, video-recorded observations, as well as expert judgment, provide strong methodologies that should be considered for future implementation quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knowlton W Johnson
- Alaska Office, Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation, 4111 Minnesota Drive, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA.
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16
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Baydala L. Inhalant abuse. Paediatr Child Health 2010; 15:443-454. [PMID: 21886449 PMCID: PMC2948777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalant abuse - also known as volatile substance abuse, solvent abuse, sniffing, huffing and bagging - is the deliberate inhalation of a volatile substance to achieve an altered mental state. Inhalant abuse is a worldwide problem that is especially common in individuals from minority and marginalized populations, and is strongly correlated with the social determinants of health. It often affects younger children, compared with other forms of substance abuse, and crosses social and ethnic boundaries. Inhalants are pharmacologically diverse products that are selected for their low price, legal and widespread availability, and ability to rapidly induce euphoria. Chronic abuse is associated with serious and often irreversible effects. Widespread screening and early referrals to treatment programs have resulted in significant improvements in the mental, physical and social conditions of those affected. The present statement reviews critical aspects of inhalant abuse, highlighting new information and data that pertain to Aboriginal children and youth, and provides recommendations for treatment and prevention.
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Johnson KW, Shamblen SR, Ogilvie KA, Collins D, Saylor B. Preventing youths' use of inhalants and other harmful legal products in frontier Alaskan communities: a randomized trial. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2009; 10:298-312. [PMID: 19440837 PMCID: PMC3735174 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-009-0132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study tests for the efficacy of a school-based drug prevention curriculum (Think Smart) that was designed to reduce use of Harmful Legal Products (HLPs, such as inhalants and over-the-counter drugs), alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among fifth- and sixth-grade students in frontier Alaska. The curriculum consisted of 12 core sessions and 3 booster sessions administered 2 to 3 months later, and was an adaptation of the Schinke life skills training curriculum for Native Americans. Fourteen communities, which represented a mixture of Caucasian and Alaska Native populations in various regions of the state, were randomly assigned to intervention or control conditions. Single items measuring 30-day substance use and multi-item scales measuring the mediators under study were taken from prior studies. Scales for the mediators demonstrated satisfactory construct validity and internal reliability. A pre-intervention survey was administered in classrooms in each school in the fall semester of the fifth and sixth grades prior to implementing the Think Smart curriculum, and again in the spring semester immediately following the booster session. A follow-up survey was administered 6 months later in the fall semester of the sixth and seventh grades. A multi-level analysis found that the Think Smart curriculum produced a decrease (medium size effect) in the proportion of students who used HLPs over a 30-day period at the 6 month follow-up assessment. There were no effects on other drug use. Further, the direct effect of HLPs use was not mediated by the measured risk and protective factors that have been promoted in the prevention field. Alternative explanations and implications of these results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knowlton W Johnson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Louisville Center, Louisville, KY 40208, USA.
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19
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Courser MW, Holder HD, Collins D, Johnson K, Ogilvie KA. Evaluating retailer behavior in preventing youth access to harmful legal products a feasibility test. EVALUATION REVIEW 2009; 33:497-515. [PMID: 18660467 PMCID: PMC2738750 DOI: 10.1177/0193841x08320940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This article reports results from a feasibility study of a community effort to reduce the availability of legal products that youth can use to get high. The study evaluated the potential of youth purchase attempts to detect actual changes in retail availability of harmful legal products. These results were triangulated with self-reports from retailers about their own policies and practices. Before the intervention, less than half of retailers reported using any of six possible strategies identified as ways to reduce youth access to harmful products, and less than 8% of baseline youth attempts to purchase potentially harmful legal products were refused or questioned. After the low-dosage intervention, retailers reported increased use of three strategies and a statistically significant increase in the percentage of purchase attempts that were either questioned or refused by retail clerks. These findings (a) demonstrate the potential feasibility of retailer-focused environmental strategies and (b) support continued use of youth purchase attempts as a measure of actual retailer behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Courser
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation—Louisville Center, 1300 South 4th Street, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40208, (502) 634-3694, x7381,
| | - Harold D. Holder
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation—Prevention Research Center, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 450, Berkeley, CA 94704, (510) 486-1111,
| | - David Collins
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation—Louisville Center, (502) 238-7338,
| | - Knowlton Johnson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation—Louisville Center, (502) 238-7339,
| | - Kristen A. Ogilvie
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation—Alaska Office, (907) 565-1218,
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20
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Miller BA, Holder HD, Voas RB. Environmental Strategies for Prevention of Drug Use and Risks in Clubs. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2009; 14:19-38. [PMID: 20216925 DOI: 10.1080/14659890802305887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Environmental prevention strategies in club settings where music and dance events are featured could provide an important new arena for the prevention of drug use and other risky behaviors (e.g., sexual risk taking, intoxication and drug use, aggression, and driving under the influence). Electronic music dance events (EMDEs) occur in clubs that attract young, emerging adults (18-25 years of age) and attract individuals who engage in various types of drug use. Borrowing from the environmental prevention studies that focus on reducing alcohol use and related problems, a model for drug prevention in the club setting is proposed. Initially, an overview of the relationships between EMDEs and drug use and other risky behaviors are presented. Next, rationales for environmental strategies are provided. Finally, an environmental approach to prevention of drug use and risky behaviors in clubs is described. This comprehensive set of environmental strategies, is designed to be mutually supportive and interactive. Environmental strategies are believed to provide potential for developing an efficacious prevention strategy. The environmental prevention approach presented here is composed of three intervention domains: (1) Mobilization, (2) Strategies for the Exterior Environment, and (3) Strategies for the Interior Environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda A Miller
- Prevention Research Center, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 450, Berkeley, CA 94704
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Gruenewald PJ, Johnson K, Shamblen SR, Ogilvie KA, Collins D. Reducing adolescent use of harmful legal products: intermediate effects of a community prevention intervention. Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:2080-98. [PMID: 20001696 PMCID: PMC2796591 DOI: 10.3109/10826080902855223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preliminary results are presented from a feasibility study of a comprehensive community prevention intervention to reduce the use of inhalants and other harmful legal products (HLPs) among adolescents in three Alaskan frontier communities conducted in 2004-2007. The legal products used to get high include over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and common household products. Community mobilization, environmental and school-based strategies were implemented to reduce access, enhance knowledge of risks, and improve assertiveness and refusal skills. METHODS Pre- and post-intervention survey data were collected from 5-7th grade students from schools in three communities using standardized instruments to assess knowledge, assertiveness, refusal skills, perceived availability, and intent to use. The intervention consisted of community mobilization and environmental strategies to reduce access to HLPs in the home, at school, and through retail establishments. In addition, the ThinkSmart curriculum was implemented in classrooms among 5th grade students to increase the knowledge of harmful effects of HLPs and improve the refusal skills. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear models that enable corrections for correlated measurement error. RESULTS Significant increases in knowledge of harms related to HLP use and decreases in perceived availability of HLP products were observed. The environmental strategies were particularly effective in reducing the perceived availability of HLPs among 6th and 7th graders. DISCUSSION Although limited by the absence of randomized control groups in this preliminary study design, the results of this study provide encouragement to pursue mixed strategies for the reduction of HLP use among young people in Alaskan frontier communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Gruenewald
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, California 94704, USA.
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Ogilvie KA, Moore RS, Ogilvie DC, Johnson KW, Collins DA, Shamblen SR. Changing community readiness to prevent the abuse of inhalants and other harmful legal products in Alaska. J Community Health 2008; 33:248-58. [PMID: 18392927 PMCID: PMC2444046 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-008-9087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents results from an application of the Community Readiness Model (CRM) as part of a multi-stage community mobilization strategy to engage community leaders, retailers, parents, and school personnel in preventing youth use of inhalants and other harmful legal products in rural Alaska. The CRM is designed to assess readiness to address a single social problem, based on a limited set of key informant interviews. In this study, researchers conducted 32 baseline and 34 post-intervention community readiness assessment interviews in four rural Alaskan communities. These interviews with key informants from the communities were coded and analyzed using CRM methods to yield readiness scores for each community. The aggregate results were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), and the individual community scores were analyzed in the context of the overall study. Significant positive changes in community readiness were found across six readiness dimensions as well as for the overall readiness score. Variation in the degree of changes in readiness across the four communities is attributed to differences in the intervention's implementation. The implications of these results include the potential for CRM assessments to serve as an integral component of a community mobilization strategy and also to offer meaningful feedback to communities participating in prevention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Ogilvie
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Alaska Office, 4111 Minnesota Drive, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA.
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