Development of a Community-based Network for Drug Abusers

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Hidden drug abuse remains a significant concern for public health. An appropriate intervention is necessary to encourage hidden drug abusers to report their situations and seek professional help. This project aims to develop a community-based network to identify and refer hidden drug abusers in Hong Kong, and assess its effectiveness.

Detailed Description
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This study will be completed within 18 months, and be divided into 3 Phases, including (1) a video competition for anti-drug abuse, (2) development of a community-based network through training 150 peers aged 13-18 as anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs) to deliver anti-drug messages based on the AWARD model, and (3) a mass promotional campaign organized by ADAs in the community. A one-group pre-test and repeated post-test design will be adopted to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the community-based network. We will assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding anti-drug abuse of the ADAs. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, post-training, 3 months and 6 months after the training workshop.

Official Title
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Development of a Community-based Network to Identify and Refer Drug Abusers in Hong Kong

Conditions
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Adolescent

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: A video competition
* Behavioral: A training workshop
* Behavioral: A mass promotional campaign


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged 13 - 18 years Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese Exclusion Criteria: identified cognitive, behavioral or learning problem(s) identified mental illness(es)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 13 Years
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Phase 1: A video competition for anti-drug abuse<br>Phase 1 aims to increase the public awareness of hazardous effects of drug abuses and existing resources available for drug abusers through a video competition. We will co-organize a video competition for anti-drug abuse with C.H.O.I.C.E. The competition will appeal to the participation of all children (aged 13-18) living in the four targeted districts. | Behavioral: A video competition<br>* Each Individual/group will be required to produce a maximum of 2-minute video on one of the following themes: (1) the hazardous effects of drug especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) encouraging messages to drug abusers, and (3) existing anti-drug services.<br>|
| Other: Phase 2: Developing a community-based network<br>Phase 2 aims to develop a community-based network through training anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs). We target to recruit a total of 150 children aged 13 - 18 as ADAs through secondary schools and community centres in the four targeted districts by sending invitation letters. The content of the workshop will be designed by our expert panel. The content of the workshop will include (1) hazardous effects of drug abuse especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) signs and symptoms of drug abuse particularly less psychotropic drugs like Cannabis, (3) alternatives to drug abuse, (4) community resources available, and (5) how to refer drug abusers. Besides, all children will be taught to use the AWARD model for referrals in the workshop. | Behavioral: A training workshop<br>* The workshop will last for 6 hours, and will be delivered by an experienced counsellor from C.H.O.I.C.E. The content of the workshop will include (1) hazardous effects of drug abuse especially less psychotropic drugs such as Cannabis, (2) signs and symptoms of drug abuse particularly less psychotropic drugs like Cannabis, (3) alternatives to drug abuse, (4) community resources available, and (5) how to refer drug abusers. Besides, all children will be taught to use the AWARD model for referrals in the workshop.<br>|
| Other: Phase 3: A mass promotional campaign<br>Phase 3 aims to engage the public to join the community-based network through anti-drug activities organized by anti-drug ambassadors. They are encouraged to design their own promotional activities for community members in the targeted districts.Types of activities can include but not limited to health talks, booths, outreaching activities, games, posters, leaflets and websites. | Behavioral: A mass promotional campaign<br>* Children who complete the training workshop in phase 2 will be invited to join phase 3. They are encouraged to design their own promotional activities for community members in the targeted districts. The activities can be delivered by a group (a maximum of 5 ADAs per group) or by an individual. Types of activities can include but not limited to health talks, booths, outreaching activities, games, posters, leaflets and websites. Likewise, if the ADAs encounter any drug abuser in their social circles, the ADAs will be asked to deliver a brief advice based on the AWARD model.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 | Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline | Immediately after the training workshop | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 | Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 3 months after the training workshop | 
| Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 2 | Change in knowledge about the hazardous effects of drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 6 months after the training workshop | 
| Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 | Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs immediately after the training workshop when compared to baseline | Immediately after the training workshop | 
| Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 | Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 3 months after the training workshop | 
| Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs by using Beat Drugs Fund Evaluation Question Set No. 1 | Change in attitudes towards drug abuse and anti-drug abuse among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 6 months after the training workshop | 
| Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires | Personal development questions among ADAs at 3 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 3 months after the training workshop | 
| Change in anti-drug practices among ADAs by using Anti-Drug Practice Questionnaires | Personal development questions among ADAs at 6 months after the training workshop when compared to baseline | 6 months after the training workshop | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Hidden drug abuse, Community-based network, Ambassadors, Brief intervention, Adolescents