Kindergarten children's knowledge and attitudes about the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) were measured and compared with their parents' reported ATOD use. From three Kentucky elementary schools with over 40% low income enrollees, 126 parents volunteered; their children were regarded as African-American (22%), Hispanic (7%) or non-Hispanic Caucasian (70%). Each child was privately asked about 12 picture cards (adult and child bear characters) depicting a "parent" using or sharing substances (Child Drug Awareness Inventory). Each parent was interviewed at home about current and lifetime use (with a federal certificate to protect confidentiality).
Parent self-report of current ATOD behavior was not consistent with national studies; slightly more smoked cigarettes (36%), but fewer reported alcohol (40%) or other drug use (2% reported marijuana use). Reported lifetime ("ever") ATOD use was similar to the national sample for this age group (26-34 years) except that fewer reported cocaine use (7% compared to 17% nationwide).
Children's knowledge of alcohol and illicit drugs was not related to their parents' reported current or lifetime use. Almost all recognized cigarettes; over half recognized at least one alcoholic beverage; 17% recognized an illicit drug (marijuana, cocaine, injected drug). No socioeconomic factors (parent education or income) predicted their recognition of alcohol. Thirty percent of African-American or Hispanic children identified an illicit drug as compared to ten percent of non-Hispanic Caucasians.
Most children reported negative attitudes (bad vs. good) and feelings (sad or mad vs. happy) about the "parent" using a substance. However, 43% of non-Hispanic Caucasian children reported a "happy" feeling about the "parent giving the child a sip of beer" compared to no African-American or Hispanic children. Few children (7) viewed cigarette use as "good."
The picture identification method was considered satisfactory for measuring young children's knowledge and attitudes about ATODs to evaluate drug use prevention program.
(Hahn E. et al. J Sch Health 2000;70(2):51-55)
COMMENT: The disconcerting finding was the high number of Anglo kids who regarded "sipping beer" as a positive event. -J.O.
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