Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111589

Sharon P. Brown, PhD(c), MN, MPH, Environmental Health Sciences & Policy - Public Health & Epidemiology, University of California-Irvine, School of Social Ecology, Irvine, CA 92697, 724-940-9325, spbrown@uci.edu

All nationally representative measurement scales assessing the problems of US youth substance use traditionally focus on the assessment of high school students. Only recently has one of these revised the scale to include older middle school students [8th grade]- Monitoring the Future. Therefore, the need is inherent to devise a tool to access younger children as they form their beginning perceptions about the risks of these substances. This research focused on the development of such tools - reliable and valid scales for younger elementary and early middle school students. Children [N=775] from levels of 4th-5th grades, and 6th-8th grades were assessed using the elementary and middle school versions that have been developed, respectively. Approximately ½ of these students have been re-assessed in later grades, and data regarding any changes in attitudes regarding either intention to use substances, and/or actual prevalence will be presented. Data from multiple logistic regression will be described in terms of critical factors for inclusion into any early intervention model for substance use prevention with children in these earlier grade levels. Hierarchical linear modeling will also be used to further detail the influences of individual and community contextual factors in the prevention of substance use. The goal of the research, beyond the development of reliable & valid assessment tools, is to provide substantial, empirical knowledge regarding what specific model for prevention would work best at these extremely vulnerable age periods, so that the best comprehensive programs can be developed in the most cost effective and efficacious manner.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify factors associated with children's future intentions to use tobacco or other substances
• List at least three (
• necessary components of an early substance use prevention program for elementary & early middle school students

Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Child Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.