The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65132

Sharon Rushing, MPH¹, Katrina Ball, MPH¹, Ivy Lewis², and Susanne Montgomery, PhD, MPH². (1) Department of International Health, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 307-6560, slrushing@aol.com, (2) Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Project Peer Factor builds on the need for substance abuse health education and prevention measures that are appropriate and engaging for adolescents. The project was designed to increase self-efficacy in youth through knowledge and activity learning experiences to enable teens to make responsible decisions and changes in their health behaviors relating to drug and alcohol use. Ten teens completed 20 hours of required peer health education training. The curriculum for training focused on topics relating to drugs and alcohol identified by the teen participants as relevant to issues teens’ face today. As part of the training, the peer educators were required to participate in the development of program activities and material development for dissemination to community teens. The peer educators then served as outreach workers via a process activity based “teen health challenge booth” disseminating drug and alcohol health data at local teen venues. Booth activities included: Intoxicated Barbie-- a challenge designed to help participants understand how alcohol consumption affects motor skills and decision-making, and Rap Challenge-- a challenge in which teens must compose short rap songs from provided fact sheets on alcohol and drugs. Measurement variables for several of the learning and outcome objectives yielded knowledge change increases ranging form 55.6% to 77.8%. Measurements reflected increases in the peer educators’ perception and belief to affect change in their own decisions and behaviors, as well as in their peers. Data reflected significant knowledge increases on how alcohol and drugs physically and psychologically effect an individual’s health.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, session participants will be able to
• Describe and discuss key elements in health prevention programs that are appropriate and engaging for adolescents; and
• Describe logistical issues related to developing and implementing an activity based peer education program.

Keywords: Adolescents, Alcohol

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.