The fundamental principle that reliability is a property of scores and not of instruments provides the foundation of a meta-analytic technique called reliability generalization (RG). RG studies characterize the reliability of scores generated by a given instrument and identify methodological and sample characteristics that contribute to the variability in the reliability of those scores. The present study is an RG of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI). Reliability estimates were obtained from 19.8% of studies using the SASSI. Bivariate correlations revealed strong, positive correlations between SASSI score reliability and score variability of the Subtle Attributes (r = .877, p < .05) and Family History (r = .892, p < .05) subscales and between score reliability and ethnicity for both the Family History (r = .683, p < .05) and Tendency to Involvement in Correctional Setting (r = .76, p < .05) subscales.

No description available.

Analyzes the motivation of clients beginning a drug and alcohol treatment program to see if their level of motivation affects their success in the program, as measured by drug screens. Thirty-six participants from the Perris Valley Recovery Program (PVRP) in Southern California took a motivation for treatment questionnaire reflecting their levels of motivation for treatment. Results of the study found significant relationships between clients' motivation to be in substance abuse treatment and clean or dirty drug screens.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015 / Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University / ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Substance abuse is a major problem globally with immeasurable consequences to the health of users. Rehabilitation is one of the strategies that can help to fight against substance abuse. It is divided into two forms: in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation. In this study, we consider a compartmental model of substance users in rehabilitation, where a periodic function is included to illustrate seasonal oscillations of drug users entering rehabilitation. In this thesis, we derive two basic reproduction numbers R0 and [R0], where R0 is the model with periodicity and [R0] the model without periodicity. We show that the model has a drug-free equilibrium when the basic reproduction number R0 is less than one and drug persistent equilibrium when R0 is greater than one. We fit the model to data and obtained sneak preview of the future of these forms of rehabilitation. Our results indicate that when R0 is less than one, the in- and out-patient populations decrease quickly and when R0 is greater than one drugs persists and after a long period of time, individuals in rehabilitation approaches w-periodic solution. Sensitivity analysis is performed and the results show that control measures should focus on the effective contact rate between susceptibles and drug users so as to control the epidemic. These results have significant implications on the management and planning of rehabilitation programs in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Dwelm misbruik is wêreldwyd ‘n ernstige problem met onmeetbare gevolge vir die gesondheid van gebruikers. Rehabilitasie is een van die strategieë wat dwelm misbruik kan help beveg. Dit word in twee vorms verdeel: binnepasiënt- en buitepasiëntrehabilitasie. In hierdie studie ondersoek ons ‘n kompartementele model van dwelmgebruikers in rehabilitasie, waar ‘n periodieke funksie ingesluit word om seisoenale skommelings aan te toon met betrekking tot dwelmgebruikers wat rehabilitasie aanpak. In hierdie tesis lei ons twee basiese reproduksienommers af, R0 en [R0], waar R0 die model met periodisiteit en [R0] die model sonder periodisiteit is. Ons toon aan dat die model ‘n dwelmvrye ekwilibrium het wanneer die basiese reproduksienommer R0 minder as een is en ‘n dwelm-voortsettingsekwilibrium het wanneer R0 meer as een is. Ons pas die model op die data toe en verkry ‘n vooruitskouende blik op die toekoms van hierdie vorms van rehabilitasie. Ons resultate dui aan dat wanneer R0 minder as een is, die binne- en buitepasiënt-bevolkings vinnig verminder en wanneer R0 meer as een is, die gebruik van dwelms voortduur en dat nà ‘n lang tydperk individue in rehabilitasie nader aan w-periodieke oplossing beweeg. Sensitiwiteitsontleding word uitgevoer en die resultate toon aan dat daar ‘n bewustheid moet bestaan dat die graad van effektiewe kontak tussen vatbare individue en dwelmgebruikers beperk moet word ten einde die epidemie onder beheer te bring. Hierdie resultate het betekenisvolle implikasies vir die bestuur en beplanning van rehabilitasieprogramme in Suid-Afrika. / rs201601

Health communication has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most effective methods for tackling global health challenges; a conclusion that is supported by a range of studies showing generally positive results. Literature in the field has tended to focus on one of two perspectives: either individual behaviour change or a cultural/critical approach. This dissertation, which falls into the latter category, extends previous work on health communication and culture into a new context, namely Saudi Arabia. The thesis is motivated by two main research questions. First, how has culture influenced health communication in Saudi Arabia specifically in initiatives against illicit drug use and alcohol abuse? Second, how has this communication developed? At the heart of this study is the role of Saudi culture in health communication in an increasingly interdependent and connected world. The dissertation makes use of mixed qualitative data collection methods. Principally, it utilised semi-structured interviews with key officials and focus groups with young Saudis and health promoters in Saudi Arabia as well as attendance at and observation of health-communication events and permanent exhibitions as a subordinate method. The study reveals promising findings supporting the growing scholarly interest in the cultural dimension of health communication. It concludes that the key influence of the Saudi culture on health communication against substance abuse is Islamic beliefs about health, in particular those about substance abuse. These beliefs created a rejection of illicit drug abuse in Saudi society, thereby shaping a supportive environment for promotion activities against risky health behaviour. In addition, Islamic influence inspired the related regulations and laws in the kingdom. Islamic and local influences exert a powerful influence on the practical side of health communication in Saudi Arabia, including the content of messages, the appeal used to attract the specific audience, and the communication channels used to promote the campaigns. The study engages with four concepts constituting the Islamic model of health and illicit drug abuse: prohibition (haram), promotion (Da’wah), repentance and inclusiveness (Tawbah), and treatment and rehabilitation (Elaj). The study also examines controversial issues about health communication in the country, such as the predominance of top-down communication, the absence of participatory communication and cultural diversity. In short, a lack of innovation and creativity in delivering health communication messages. The study illustrates the major role the Saudi government has played in communicating health and substance abuse since the 1980s, when officials realised the need to modernise the means of communicating health and drug issues from mosque-based only to include modern methods such as televised campaigns, school-based programmes and hospital-based health education. Since then, government-led health communication initiatives have been well established in the kingdom. The dissertation is able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the reality of health communication against substance abuse in Saudi Arabia and make a range of recommendations to improve the efficacy of current policies and suggest new avenues for future research.

Perinatal complications resulting from either alcohol or drug abuse include a high incidence of stillbirths, fetal distress, asphyxia, prematurity, low birth weight, pneumonia, congenital malformations, cerebral infarction, and an increased risk to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

No description available.

No description available.

This project explores the perceptions of fourth and fifth grade students who participated in a substance abuse prevention program. Risk and protective factors are presented to assist the reader in understanding this project.

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below