Development and Evaluation of Web-Based Resource: Engaging Parents, Teachers and Other Teen Influencers to Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Background: While the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs are declining, the non-medical use of prescription medications is second only to use of marijuana among individuals 12 and older, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable. Despite its prevalence, there is a low level of public awareness of the problem and very few educational resources are available to help communities effectively address the issue with teenagers.

Program background: In 2008, under a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) and IMPACT Health Communications LLC developed Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse. This comprehensive web-based program was designed to equip teen influencers — parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, community and school-based healthcare providers — with information and strategies to help address teen abuse of prescription medications. The materials were developed in consultation with a multidisciplinary project advisory team comprised of 15 nationally recognized prevention, health professional and child advocacy organizations. The workshop module includes a Power Point Presentation, Presenter’s Guide, and handouts, as well as real-world scenarios and information about warning signs and symptoms, common myths about teen prescription drug abuse, brochures and sample promotional materials. All materials are available to the public as free, downloadable files at http://www.talkaboutrx.org.

Evaluation Methods and Results: A pre-post survey was completed to assess changes in workshop attendees’ knowledge, attitudes, skill development, confidence levels, and intent to address the issue of teen prescription drug abuse before and after exposure to the program. A total of 140 participants attended the workshop over nine training dates. Additionally, we conducted a 3-month follow-up assessment to measure participants’ knowledge retention and conduct community outreach.

Conclusions: Results show significant increases in knowledge of the problem and intent to engage in educational outreach to reduce teen prescription drug abuse.

Implications for research and/or practice: Teen influencers are among the most meaningful people in an adolescent’s life. They are natural, credible mentors who can have frequent and open discussions with teens about the risks of prescription drug abuse and take steps to help teens make positive, healthy choices. Research shows that teens with strong bonds at home and at school are less likely to abuse prescription drugs. The more teen influencers are prepared to spread the message, we believe the more teens will be reached with important messages about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs. NOTE: Funding was provided by SAMHSA with supplemental program support from Purdue Pharma LP and the National Association of Chain Drug Stories. NCPIE maintained editorial control of all materials and publications produced.