Effectiveness of A Focused Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Substance Abuse Among Adolescents in Selected Academic Centres of Wayanad

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents is a growing public health concern worldwide. Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental phase during which individuals are more likely to experiment with psychoactive substances, leading to adverse health and social consequences.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a focused teaching programme on knowledge regarding substance abuse among adolescents.
Methods: “A quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 46 adolescents selected from academic centres in Wayanad district. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered before and after a focused teaching programme. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.”
Results: “Pre-test findings revealed that the majority of adolescents had inadequate knowledge regarding substance abuse. Post-test results showed a significant improvement in knowledge levels following the teaching programme. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference between pre-test and post-test mean scores (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between pre-test knowledge and selected demographic variables.”
Conclusion: The focused teaching programme was effective in improving adolescents’ knowledge regarding substance abuse, highlighting the importance of structured educational interventions in school settings.