Measurement Form Development by Delphi Technique for Measuring Family Protective Behavior against Drug Abuse Problem in Children aged 10-15 years old

Abstract

Measurement Form Development by Delphi Technique for Measuring Family Protective Behavior against Drug Abuse Problem in Children aged 10-15 years old

Kovit Yongvanitjit MD

Kotchakorn Supakanjana ME (Foundations Education)

Prapai Supakanjana MSc (Developmental Psychology)

Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Division, Health Department, BMA

Objective: To develop a behavior measurement form to determine family protective behaviors against drug abuse problems among children aged 10-15 years.

Study design: Qualitative research using Delphi technique.

Subjects: Twenty selected informants including 10 university experts on family issues, four parents with social recognition on child-raising, four parents, who successed in helping their children quit the drugs, and 2 leaders from Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Council.

Methods: The family protective behaviors against drug abuse problem which were identified with concensus among key informants were used to develop the measurement form. The Delphi technique was used in the process of data collection and analysis. The form was tested and adjusted in 30 children aged 10-15 years.

Main outcome measures: Coefficient of family protection behavioral form.

Results: There were 10 main topics involving 120 behaviors that the families should apply to prevent drug abuse problem among their children aged 10-15 years old. Five topics were behaviors that the family should do to prevent drug abuse problem in their children. Among these behavior topics, the highest average score was the topic concerning other behaviors to prevent drug abuse problems in that parents should be the role model not to use any drugs. Another 5 main topics were behaviors that the family should do to help their children to cope with drug problems. Among these, behaviors of relationship development and communication among the family members was the topic that had highest average score, such as parents admit the drug problem and concerned about the feelings of their children in drug problems. These features were used to develop the measurement form of family protective behaviors against drug abuse problem among children aged 10-15 years. This form was then tested and modified. The modified behavior form yielded the Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.863.

Conclusion: The measurement form of family protective behaviors against drug abuse problem among children aged 10-15 years, consisting of 10 main topics involving 120 behaviors, is reliable. The family members should apply these protective behaviors to prevent drug abuse problems among their children.

Vajira Med J 2008 ; 52 : 229-235