Evaluation of Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Education in Prevention of MDMA (ecstasy) use among University Students

Existing data show that using psychoactive drugs has increased among youths in recent years. Meanwhile، theory of planned behavior is an effective method to prevent non-healthy behaviors. Using this model as a theoretical framework، the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of educational preventive programs and resistance skills against substance use and perceived behavior control among university students in Hamadan. A quasi-experimental study was carried out among university students in Hamedan city during 2008-2009. A total number of 140 students were selected through randomized cluster sampling and were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. A questionnaire، based on the theory of planned behavior، was applied to assess the variables of attitudes toward substance use، subjective norms، perceived behavior control، intention and ecstasy use. The result showed that educational programs had significant effect on the average response for attitude toward drug abuse (P<0. 001)، subjective norms (P<0. 001)، perceived behavior control (P<0. 001)، intention (P=0. 013) and ecstasy abuse (P=0. 004) in intervention group. These findings suggest that applying the theory of planned behavior along with preventive methods are efficient tools for preventing the drug abuse.