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

Abstract #119023

Bethany Bell Ellison, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 14240 N. 42nd Street, #3704, Tampa, FL 33613, 813-910-1766, ccrimmins@asph.org

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of an evidence-based, theory-driven theater-as-education program on attitudes toward alcohol and tobacco use among middle school students. The production, The End of Summer, was based on research with, and performed by, youth and was aimed at helping students recognize and respond to peer pressure as they witness consequences of life decisions.

METHOD: Using a case study, youth attitudes and perceptions of norms regarding alcohol and tobacco use were assessed via surveys and unstructured youth-written letters to the play's cast. Content analysis of over 800 surveys and 350 letters by multiple independent coders identified major themes via template analysis (survey data) and editing analysis (letters). RESULTS: Responses reflected the production's reinforcement that it is unnecessary to drink and smoke to be liked. Students also wrote about the risk of being caught drinking or smoking and/or disappointing parents and the importance of confidence and self esteem in youth's ability to make healthy choices.

DISCUSSION: Results underscore the role that constructs central to social learning theory -- reciprocal determinism, expectations, reinforcement, and self-efficacy -- play in the health behavior of middle school students. Although theater-as-education is not widely used in prevention education, the results of this study emphasize its promise as a supporting and reinforcing mechanism for prevention of adolescent risk behaviors, particularly when community, theory, and evidence-based elements are involved.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to recognize the utility of using community-based, theory-based, and evidence-based live theater productions to educate students about complex social issues such as underage drinking and smoking.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Students

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.