Authors:
Alexandra K. Feiertag, B.A.1*, Catherine A. Martin, M.D.1,2, Gregory E. Guenthner, M.L.I.S.2
Author Affiliations:
1College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
2Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
*Corresponding Author: Alexandra K. Feiertag; alex.feiertag@uky.edu
Key Words: opioid; overdose; safety; education; adolescent
Abstract:
Purpose: Opioid overdoses profoundly impact thousands of families across the United States. Behind this issue lies the accessibility of opioid prescriptions right inside our medicine cabinets. Our goal was to educate adolescent students in Kentucky schools about this matter because they comprise a vulnerable population.
Methods: Pre- and posttestings were used to analyze 26 adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding opioid overdoses pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Adolescents displayed significantly improved results from pre-test to post-test. Overdose Knowledge scores improved by 16% from pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.01). Attitude to Act scores improved by 35% (p = 0.03). Drug Disposal Awareness scores improved by 54% (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that education improves adolescents’ opioid overdose knowledge, attitudes, and awareness. The evidence shows that there are educational gaps that should be filled by teaching adolescents about the opioid epidemic and providing them with resources.
Published: Spring, 2019
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