Sources of Information About Drugs (From Drug Abuse: Foundation for a Psychosocial Approach, P 181-186, 1984, Seymour Eiseman, Joseph A Wingard, et al, eds. - See NCJ-169972)

• NCJ Number: 169988
• Author(s): M A Sheppard
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Baywood Publishing Co, Inc.
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

Sixteen separate studies referencing sources of drug information were evaluated to determine what information is relevant to the target audience and to aid in the development of a continuum of messages, communicators, and media for a range of target audiences.

Abstract

The studies questioned different target populations, including professional adults, elementary and secondary school students, and university students. Professional adults in Ontario, Canada, reported they would first go to other professionals and the media for drug information. Students in California said they would go to parents, television, and friends, while students in Ontario indicated they would ask friends, nonusers, and physicians. Young people in Ontario, Connecticut, and Kansas who used drugs said other drug users or ex-users were the most credible sources of drug information, while young people who did not use drugs identified scientists, physicians, and the media. Drug users generally trusted drug information from friends and physicians, while nonusers said they trusted the media and health professionals. Friends and the media most influenced drug use decisions. Implications of the findings for drug education programs are discussed. 16 references and 2 tables