Survival against drugs: education for school-age children.
OBJECTIVE
Alcohol and drug use of young school-age children continue to escalate. Comprehensive, effective interventions are needed to treat and prevent future alcohol and drug use.


METHODS
The alcohol and drug use of 69 school-age children participating in afterschool programs was explored; parents completed a family climate scale. An investigator-developed educational program was evaluated for its effect on self-efficacy of the children to prevent drug and alcohol use.


RESULTS
Although family climate scales indicated functioning families, 25% of the children indicated they have used drugs or alcohol and 49% indicated a possible problem with alcohol or drugs being used at home by parents. A significant correlation with a child's self-efficacy and drug use was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The educational program taught children survival skills to resist the use of alcohol and drugs. Children with a plan to resist the use of drugs were more likely not to use drugs.
Finke
Linda
L
Professional Development Services, Sigma Theta Tau International, Indianapolis, USA. lfinke@iupui.edu
Williams
Judy
J
Ritter
Maroline
M
Kemper
Diane
D
Kersey
Susan
S
Nightenhauser
Janet
J
Autry
Kathaleen
K
Going
Carla
C
Wulfman
Gail
G
Hail
Anna
A
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires