Assessing the impact of a peer-led vaping prevention program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Education
• Pharmacist-led Interventions

Background:

• High school drug abuse presentations are crucial for early intervention.
• Student pharmacists can deliver effective health education.
• Assessing educational impact on adolescent addiction perception is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of Drugs of Abuse (DOA) presentations by student pharmacists.
• Measure changes in high school students' understanding and perceptions of addiction.
• Assess the impact of educational interventions on addiction knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Student pharmacists, trained as Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTS), delivered DOA presentations in five Pittsburgh high schools.
• Pre- and post-assessment surveys with a ten-question format evaluated student perceptions of addiction.
• Statistical analysis included One-Way ANOVA and paired comparisons; qualitative data from presenters was also collected.

Main Results:

• While overall scores showed minimal change, specific questions indicated improved understanding of addiction's lifelong nature and treatment benefits.
• Significant differences in knowledge were noted between schools (P=0.004), potentially linked to socioeconomic factors.
• Females scored higher than males on addiction knowledge assessments (P=0.010).

Conclusions:

• Drugs of Abuse (DOA) presentations were well-received with high participation.
• The educational intervention enhanced students' understanding of specific aspects of addiction.
• The program's success supports expansion for broader student addiction awareness and education.