Learning Objectives: Describe 3 key reasons why interactive drama with small group discussion using peers is an effective tobacco use prevetnion measure.
Abstract: Butt Ugly is a social issue drama created and performed by youth for youth addressing the issue of youth tobacco use. Youth indicated their own preference for peer education through a local survey done by a local non-smoking coalition in 1995. Butt Ugly is written and performed by youth from all three of Red Deer’s high schools. The drama itself tours Red Deer and area middle schools, targeting students as they enter middle school. Youth delivering the program receive special school credits for their involvement. Youth are involved at every stage of this program. This program involves pre and post-drama interaction between the high school aged actors who write and perform the drama and the audience who receive it. Actors facilitate small group post-drama discussions with the audience. Topics include pressures and influences youth encounter regarding tobacco use and feelings youth have about their own, their friends and their families tobacco use. The actors also share ideas and strategies about how to resist tobacco use.
In 1999, results of a University of Alberta Masters in Health Promotion thesis on Butt Ugly indicated that Butt Ugly, as an intervention was responsible for behaviour change among the middle school audience. As well, high school-aged students remembered the drama they had seen when in middle school and claimed they credited it responsible for some of their peers’ choice not to smoke.
This presentation would be suitable for public health professionals, teachers or community workers involved youth tobacco prevention or peer leadership.
Back to Fun and Interactive Means for Youth Tobacco Use Prevention
Back to Tobacco Use Prevention Among Youth
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health