Elevhälsan som en del av det förebyggande rusmedelsarbetet : En kvalitativ studie

Abstract

The aim of this study in caring science is to describe student health professionals’ views on and attitudes towards preventive substance use work (PSUW). The study is carried out within the framework of a project aiming to develop a model for how substance use prevention can be organized and delivered at schools in the landscape of Ostrobothnia. The study aimed to answer the following research questions: What are the views of the student health care professionals on substance use prevention work? What are some of the things that contribute to successful substance use prevention work in student health? What specific challenges are there for substance use prevention work from the perspective of student health? Data was collected through focus group interviews. A total of 27 participants were interviewed consisting of public health nurses, school welfare officers, psychologists and other professionals working within the school health group or having a significant role in the school's preventive substance use work. Data analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis.

Data analysis resulted in three categories and ten subcategories. Preventive substance use work was perceived by student health as a knowledge-intensive field, part of a larger whole and a common field of work. PSUW as a knowledge-intensive field of work includes perceptions of required skills, experiences of incompetence and the need for increased knowledge. PSUW as a part of a wider whole includes the attitudes of young people, the problems behind substance use, the structures of PSUW and resources. A multi-professional field of work, cooperation with the home and a question of responsibility sharing describe the category of PSUW as a common field of work. The conclusion of this study is that preventive substance use work in the student health context is perceived as a working field where several factors and aspects influence and should be noted.