Emily's Hope Upper Elementary School Substance Use Curriculum: Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Outcomes - a
Grace Caldwell1, Phil Dohn2, Minga C Vargas3
1Psychiatry Residency Program, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.
Summary
An evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for elementary students improved knowledge and attitudes. This age-appropriate program shows promise for mitigating risks and reinforcing protective factors in young learners.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Education
- Substance Abuse Prevention
Background:
- Substance use is a major cause of preventable illness and death.
- Early, age-appropriate educational interventions are crucial for prevention.
- Elementary school programs are needed to address substance use risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for upper elementary students.
- To assess the curriculum's impact on student knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.
- To determine the feasibility of elementary school-based substance use prevention.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary committee developed an age-appropriate curriculum for 4th and 5th graders.
- The curriculum was delivered to 514 students during the 2023-2024 school year.
- Pre- and post-curriculum surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Post-curriculum surveys showed increased knowledge in both 4th and 5th graders.
- The curriculum led to positive changes in attitudes and perceptions regarding substance use.
- Student retention rates were 58% in 4th grade and 68% in 5th grade.
Conclusions:
- Well-designed, age-appropriate curricula are effective for substance use prevention.
- Elementary school programs can mitigate risks and reinforce protective factors.
- Early prevention may reduce substance exposure in later school years.
