13th Congress of EUSUHM PROTECTING YOUNG GENERATION FROM ALCOHOL Narcisa Slugan, MD, MSc school medicine specialist Institut of Public Health Medimurje County Dubrovnik, October 2005.

INTRODUCTION THE COUNTY OF MEĐIMURJE populated by aproximately with an average of 173 inhabitants per km2 populated by aproximately with an average of 173 inhabitants per km2 ČAKOVEC is the cultural and administrative center of the County with the population of ČAKOVEC is the cultural and administrative center of the County with the population of there are two more towns: PRELOG and MURSKO SREDIŠĆE there are two more towns: PRELOG and MURSKO SREDIŠĆE

In the County there are 31 primary schools, 29 local schools and 6 secondary schools In the County there are 31 primary schools, 29 local schools and 6 secondary schools They are attended by pupils in primary and 4631 in secondary schools They are attended by pupils in primary and 4631 in secondary schools

The only college –type institution is the Teacher-training college (Department of pre-school and primary school education of the Zagreb Philosophic College), attended by 480 students, situated in Čakovec The only college –type institution is the Teacher-training college (Department of pre-school and primary school education of the Zagreb Philosophic College), attended by 480 students, situated in Čakovec

Why alcohol Alcohol is traditionally widely used in our county In Project definition the importance of sensibilisation and collaboration with representatives of local authority, schools and youth was recognized as necessary

GOALS To determine the prevalence of alcohol drinking in youth To investigate their life style and attitudes To create and implement the appropriate prevention program for youth

SUBJECTS AND METHODS 1. THE SURVEY THE SAMPLE 5847 school children 5847 school children age year age year 51% female and 49% male 51% female and 49% male Method used: anonymous questionnaire

Issues about alcohol 90% think that alcohol will harm their health, but much later when they get old 70% drink to feel better - to forget problems with school or parents 10% drink because their friends suggest it 40% think that alcohol is good for relaxation but problem is that other people (parents, relatives..) will blame them

Issues about alcohol 60% think that prohibition has no effect (to youth younger of age 18) 60% think that prohibition has no effect (to youth younger of age 18) 8% drink every day 8% drink every day 10% have an alcoholic in family 10% have an alcoholic in family 15% never drink 15% never drink

Group established by volunteers - from primary and secondary schools Group established by volunteers - from primary and secondary schools Five Primary (1766 pupils) and five Secondary schools (4233 pupils) that are located in Čakovec, which is recognized as “CITY-FRIEND OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH” 2. THE SURVEY FINDINGS WERE THE BASIS FOR ACTION (PEER-BASED EDUCATION)

They were educated to act as peer- educators They were educated to act as peer- educators Teenagers educate their peers in schools Teenagers educate their peers in schools from 6. grade (12 years) of primary school to 3. grade of secondary school (18 years) from 6. grade (12 years) of primary school to 3. grade of secondary school (18 years) The Project started in school-year 2001/02 and lasts continually The Project started in school-year 2001/02 and lasts continually Every year new teenagers wanted to be involved in the Project Every year new teenagers wanted to be involved in the Project

A group of highschool volounteers

Training life skills

RESULTS Beginning to understand Many teenagers have been told about alcohol and problems that may result from its’ abuse, but now they discuss it deeply with their generation

RESULTS Identifying the problem Volunteers-teenagers deliberately identify problems that bring alcohol Willingness to act They want to pass their knowledge and understanding to the others in generation

Highschool educators in action

The audience in class

The action “OHNETANOL NIGHT” (Night without alcohol – opposite of bambus or votka party) every school-year finished our Project This year it was on 7th May in Youth Club “Old Oak” in Čakovec

Invitation for party

Entrance fee

Cheers!

Chatting before waiting at tables

Our pedagogues from HS are with us

Band “The stvor” in action

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Readiness to change They want responsible community and express the readiness to be involved They act as the role models, and they will be adults soon...

Thank you for your attention!