Evaluation of the campaign “if you use drugs, you harm yourself”: conalep case

Abstract

Objective: This article presents a diagnostic evaluation of the knowledge, perceptions, and skills of upper secondary students from the CONALEP system in Nuevo León, Mexico, within the framework of the national campaign “If You Do Drugs, You Damage Yourself.” The study aims to identify students’ competencies in audiovisual production and preventive communication as part of a broader educational and public health strategy.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional methodology was used. A non- probabilistic sample of students and teachers was surveyed using a diagnostic instrument designed to assess variables such as knowledge of psychoactive substances, prior experience in prevention campaigns, communication skills, video editing, graphic design, and use of social media for preventive messaging.

Results: The results indicate that most students have limited or partial knowledge of the consequences of drug use and little prior involvement in preventive initiatives. Moreover, there are significant gaps in the technical skills required to make audiovisual content and in the strategic use of digital platforms for awareness- raising. A large proportion of participants expressed a strong need for training in audiovisual production, digital communication strategies, and substance abuse prevention.

Conclusions: The conclusions highlight the importance of integrating training programs that strengthen media literacy, preventive communication, and youth participation in public health ampaigns. The article proposes educational strategies that incorporate digital competencies, communication tools, and preventive content into the school environment, aiming to foster a culture of self-care and reduce risk behaviors among adolescents. This study contributes to the field of health promotion and public education by offering empirical evidence to support the design of more effective drug prevention campaigns for youth populations, particularly in school and community settings.

Keywords: Health Promotion; Substance-Related Disorders; Health Education; Social Media; Students.