Overview
Drug abuse is a serious public health issue. Despite the serious consequences of drug abuse, there are around 2000 new cases reported by drug abusers each year. There is growing evidence of the use of auricular acupressure (AA), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment modality, in reducing withdrawal symptoms among drug abusers. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of training nursing students to deliver brief education on AA on drug abusers.
Description
A 2-arm feasibility cluster RCT will be conducted in the 80 drug abusers from 7 substance abuse clinics in Hong Kong Hospital Authority following the CONSORT statement. The intervention group will receive AA intervention individually from trained nursing students. The control group will individually receive a 5-minute seminar delivered by a research assistant.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18 or above
- Have reported to abuse drugs within the past 30 days
- Can communicate in Cantonese and read Chinese
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unstable mental conditions that are not suitable for the intervention
- Receiving acupuncture or acupressure treatment currently or in the previous 30 days