Prescription Drug Abuse in Hall County, Georgia: A Tough Pill to Swallow Open Access
Palmer, Davey Brian (2011)
Abstract
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the following people for encouragement, support and guidance. Dr. Iris Smith for her excellent guidance and a good measure of patience as I worked through edits and rewrites. Dr. David Westfall for serving as my field advisor and mentor through the thesis process, as well as, his unwavering support and encouragement throughout my completion of the CMPH program. Mr. J.P. Banks and members of the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County for the opportunity to be a part of this initiative to reduce prescription drug abuse. My wife, Karen, who has been overwhelmingly remarkable in her support, encouragement, and patience. The Emory University professors and staff that made this opportunity a unique learning experience and especially to Moose and Melissa for always taking time to offer advice and guidance. vi
Abstract Prescription Drug Abuse in Hall County, Georgia: A Tough Pill to Swallow
Prescription drug abuse has become a public health crisis in our nation, state and local communities. Every day in the U.S., 2,500 youth try prescription drugs non- medically for the first time, which adds almost one million new users every year to the approximately 48 million people who have abused prescription drugs. In Hall County, 14.24% of high school seniors said that they used prescription drugs non-medically. Societal costs on the national level for prescription drug misuse and abuse surpassed $55.7 billion in 2007, including $25.6 billion workplace costs, $25 billion healthcare costs, and $5.1 billion criminal justice costs. Behavior or attitude of individuals, and particularly youth that leads to the misuse of prescription drugs is important. One-in-three teens believes there is nothing wrong with abusing prescription drugs every once in awhile, and one-in-six adults say they would share their prescription drugs with others. These beliefs can result in negative health consequences. Identifying interventions that raise awareness, change behaviors, change policy, or reduce/eliminate access to prescription drugs can be effective in reducing diversion of these drugs for non-medical use and subsequent abuse. Three steps individuals can take to reduce abuse are to monitor and secure personal prescription drugs, and dispose of expired and unused prescription drugs.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Approval i Title Page ii Distribution Statement iii Notice to Borrowers iv Curriculum Vitae v Acknowledgments vi Abstract vii Table of Contents ix List of Tables x List of Figures xi Appendicies xii Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Problem Statement 1 Theoretical Framework 2 Purpose 4 Research Question 5 Significance Statement 5 Definition of Terms 6 Chapter 2: Literature Review 8 Introduction 8 Socioeconomic Burden 8 Behavioral Risk Factors 10 Securing and Disposing of Drugs 12 Summary 14
Chapter 3: Methodology 16 Introduction 16 Population and Sample 17 Research Design 18 Instrument 18 Data Analysis 19 Limitations and Delimitations 19 Summary 20
Chapter 4: Results 21 Introduction 21 Findings 21 Other Findings 29 Summary 30
Chapter 5: Implications and Conclusions 31 Introduction 31 Summary of Study 31 Conclusion 32 Implications 33 Recommendations 34
References: 36
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