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Bonnie Gance-Cleveland, RN PhD, College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 800 Marshall St Slot 807, Director of Nursing Research, Little Rock, AR 72202, 501-364-3250, gance-clevelandbl@archildrens.org
Background Adolescents with an addicted parent are at risk for substance abuse, health problems, emotional problems, and interpersonal problems. All of these factors may impact the adolescents’ ability to be successful in school. Thus, many schools offer school-based support groups to enhance coping and foster resiliency in these adolescents. A previous qualitative study identified benefits of support groups. The purpose of this study was to measure the outcomes identified in the previous study: increased knowledge regarding addictions, improved relationships, enhanced coping, higher resiliency, and improved scholastic performance.
Methods The study is a three group randomized design with pretest posttest with a sample of 150 adolescents identified as having an addicted parent. The five outcome hypotheses to be tested are after support group participation participants will have: 1) increased knowledge, 2) improved relationships, 3) enhanced coping strategies, 4) higher resiliency, 5) improved scholastic performance. Subjects were recruited from school counselors, teachers, administrators, and school-based health center staff. Participants completed instruments at three intervals: pretest, posttest, and three months post intervention. Five data collection instruments were used: Knowledge assessment tool, Self Perception Profile, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, Coping Responses Inventory for Youth, and the Health and Daily Living Inventory. Data analysis is Multiple Analysis of Variance for repeated measures.
Results Data suggested support group participation had a positive impact on this at risk population. There were significant differences in knowledge regarding addiction and decreased drinking beer among the intervention group.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Prevention, School-Based Programs
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.