Community-based trial to prevent drug use among youths in Yunnan, China.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated a community-based program in China to prevent initiation of drug use in young men.


METHODS
Similar intervention and control areas were selected. Village leaders, teachers, and women and youth leaders were recruited to participate in the program. Community activities were organized and intervention activities in schools were implemented. Incidence of new drug users was estimated.


RESULTS
There was a 2.7-fold greater reduction in drug use initiation in the intervention area (1.59% vs 0.60%). Reduction was highest among males aged 15 to 19, single men, illiterate men, and the Jingpo minority. HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes and recognition of drug problems were all significantly better in the intervention area.


CONCLUSIONS
Community-based intervention programs to prevent drug use can be successful in rural areas of China.
Wu
Zunyou
Z
Zunyou Wu is with the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Detels
Roger
R
Zhang
Jiapeng
J
Li
Virginia
V
Li
Jianhua
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000379:methods; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012423:Rural Health; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*