PREVDRUGS Program: University Extension on Drugs Use Prevention

Authors

1.Dr. FERNANDA DAL MASO CAMERA (⚑ Brazil) 1

2.Dr. João Paulo Becker Lotufo (⚑ Brazil) 2

3.Dr. Adriane Cristina Bernat Kolankiewicz (⚑ Brazil) 3

4.Dr. Arnaldo Nogaro (⚑ Brazil) 1

5.Dr. Itamar Goncalves (⚑ Brazil) 1

1. Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões - URI Erechim/RS, 2. Universidade de São Paulo USP/SP, 3. Regional University of the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (UNIJUÍ)

Abstract

Adolescence is an important moment for adopting new practices, behaviors and gaining autonomy. However, it may be a risky phase due to drug use. Drug prevention in schools is really important and must be in their pedagogical plans. The objectives of this study were evaluating knowledge about drugs and the parental relationship of students, developing health education actions and promoting dialogues between the students and the school board. As an experience report from a private school in the north of RS/Brazil, the sample consisted of 320, from the 6th to the 9th grade, who answered an online questionnaire, with parental consent.

Regarding the energy drink (ED), 68% have already used it; 42% use it, and 87.5% of them have friends; and 70.6% of them also have family members who use it. 90.7% of them have never used hookah; 9.3% have used it; 42.4% of them have friends, and 19.8% of them have family members who use it. 87.8% of them have never used electronic cigarettes (EC); 12.2% have used them; 30.8 of them have friends and 11.5% have family members who use them.

We developed the PREVDRUGS Program at Escola de Educação Básica da URI Erechim, in partnership with Physiotherapy and Medicine students, who gave lectures on ED, EC, Hookah and Alcohol, as well as promoting lectures with Dr. João Paulo Lotufo (Dr. Bartô), collaborator of the program. All interventions were carried out in the students’ classrooms. Besides having friends and family members who use drugs, we realized the students have already used them. This fact makes the prevention program so important.

The PREVDRUGS Program was effective and had a positive impact to the school, family and community environment, contributing to making it permanent and continuous.