Importance of multidisciplinary trauma prevention program for youth

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Prevention
• Adolescent Health Education

Background:

• Road traffic injuries are a significant cause of death and disability among young people.
• Impaired driving, particularly alcohol-impaired driving, is a major contributing factor to these injuries.
• Targeted prevention programs are crucial for modifying adolescent behaviors related to risky driving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the experience and impact of the P.A.R.T.Y. program in Campinas.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in changing young people's attitudes and knowledge regarding drunk driving.
• To assess the potential for these young participants to influence their social circles.

Main Methods:

• The P.A.R.T.Y. program involved high school students aged 14-18 attending a four-hour session at a hospital.
• Participants engaged in lectures and interacted with trauma victims.
• Pre- and post-program questionnaires were administered between 2010-2012 to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes.

Main Results:

• 2,450 students participated, with a mean age of 16. 3.6% of males and 0.8% of females reported driving under the influence.
• Pre-program, 11.3% perceived drunk driving as low risk; post-program, 43% considered it a risk.
• Knowledge of alcohol's effects on driving increased from 3.6% to 18.8%.

Conclusions:

• The P.A.R.T.Y. program demonstrated a significant positive impact on adolescent risk perception and knowledge regarding drunk driving.
• Participants recognized the value of prevention programs in their personal development.
• The program aims to foster information multipliers within social networks to achieve long-term reductions in youth trauma events.