Youth perspective on drugs and alcohol : primary prevention interventions

Abstract

Primary Prevention is an essential tool that is being used in order to educate the general population to engage in healthy lifestyles. Amongst the target audiences of primary prevention programmes, one finds that of young people. In view of the efforts that are constantly being invested to promote healthy attitudes without the abuse of drugs and alcohol within the particular target iv audience, one needs to keep in touch with the thinking and perceptions young people hold about these programmes and initiatives. This thesis gathers information related to the contents of the programmes and interventions that are carried out by two local organisations, namely Caritas Malta and Sedqa, who deliver primary prevention programmes related to drugs and alcohol abuse amongst young people. The dissertation proceeds by analysing, interpreting and discussing the feedback obtained from young people who participated in focus groups organised to evaluate the said programmes and initiatives. The study is concluded by various observations and recommendations based on the information gathered during the process.