Samia A. EL Nagar^{1, 2}, Warda El shahat Hamed^{3, 2,}

Substance abuse may lead to criminal behaviors. Substance abuse has major impact on individuals, families and communities, as its effects are cumulative, contributing to costely, social, physical and mental health problems. Aim of the study: This study aims to examine effect of health and psycho education on the adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception regarding substance abuse. Design: A quasi experimental design was used to conduct this study. Tool of data collection: Data collection was carried out by using the following tools: An interview questionnaire form that covers two parts. Part I: Demographic characteristics such as: age, father and mother’s education, parents’ job etc… Part II: It comprised 54 items: four items sought information about respondents' level of knowledge and awareness of, and personal familiarity with, illegal drugs; 35 items explored perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about drug use, drug users and drug-related issues plus 15 items elicited socio-demographic data including the respondents' age, marital status etc. Results: There is statistically significant improvement in the level of knowledge after intervention, with p=0.000.Adolescents positive attitude toward addicts has increased post intervention representing 45.8% of the sample compared with 32.6% pre intervention. Moreover, the positive perception of the adolescents regarding addiction has increased representing 28.3% post intervention compared to 3.3% pre intervention. Conclusion: Adolescents have poor knowledge, poor attitude and poor perception regarding substance abuse. Intervention including health and psychoeducation has an effective result on students knowledge, attitude, and perceptrion of substance abuse. Recommendations: Frequent assessments of adolescents knowledge, attitude and perception regarding substance abuse. Assessing sources of students information and providing frequent educational program for adolecents regarding substance abuse among Egyptian schools. Collaboration of Ministry of Health with Ministry of Information in providing intervention programs targeting adolescents and school students for prevention of substance abuse.

substance abuse, adolescents, preventive approach, psycho education