Drug Prevention Education Programs in Schools in High-Risk Areas: Challenges for Primary School Teachers in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract Drug prevention education programs have been implemented in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the existing drug prevention education programs in primary schools in high-risk areas of Perak, Malaysia and to identify the challenges faced by primary school teachers to implement these programs. The methods used in this study was a qualitative case study design by using interviews for data collection. Seven participants, including primary school teachers, a Ministry of Education Malaysia officer, a National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) Perak officer, and a State of Education Department officer, were involved as study samples. The results of the study showed that teachers still face problems delivering drug messages in the teaching-learning process because they do not have enough learning materials or knowledge. Teachers’ challenges arise not only from the school or educational policy but also from parents` involvement. It can be concluded that the primary school teachers in Malaysia still face challenges related to their skills, community supports, and government policies in drug prevention education programs. It is expected the study can be used by the stakeholders when planning and evaluating drug preventive in Malaysian primary schools especially in selected hot spot areas.

Keywords

• challenges
• drug prevention
• high-risk areas
• primary school teachers.