NCT04400526

Development of a Community-based Network for Drug Abusers

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

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 250 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 13 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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

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.

Conditions

• Adolescent

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	A video competition	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.
BEHAVIORAL	A training workshop	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.
BEHAVIORAL	A mass promotional campaign	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-09-01
• Primary completion: 2023-07-01
• Completion: 2023-09-30
• First posted: 2020-05-22
• Last updated: 2021-05-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong