The Influence of Peer Educators on Adolescents' Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior in Preventing Drug Abuse

Abstract

Adolescents are at a developmental stage characterized by increased vulnerability to environmental and peer influences, which significantly contribute to the risk of drug abuse. In Aceh Besar, Indonesia, the prevalence of drug misuse among adolescents has been rising, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer educator interventions in enhancing adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward the prevention of drug abuse, specifically NAPZA (narcotics, psychotropic substances, and addictive substances). A quasi-experimental design was employed with a pre-test and post-test control group, involving 70 junior high school students aged 11–13 years selected through purposive sampling. The intervention group participated in a structured peer education program consisting of seven sessions, including psychoeducation, peer pressure management, healthy lifestyle promotion, life skills training, and anti-drug counseling practices. The results demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge scores, more positive attitudes, and strengthened preventive behaviors in the intervention group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that peer education is an effective approach for fostering drug abuse prevention among adolescents. The integration of peer-led strategies within school-based health education may offer a sustainable solution to mitigate youth vulnerability to substance use. Future programs are encouraged to adopt similar models while reinforcing components of social support to maximize impact.