Perception of parents on mandatory drug testing on elementary pupils / Emily Grace G. Abasta ; Marwin T. Aquino ; Wilniel Bryan F. Calibuso ; Macy Alexandre C. Capule ; Chika G. Chen ; Arvin N. Constantino ; Mark Adriel R. Del Castillo ; Jhoennyne Tiffin S. Del Pilar ; Kaithlyn Anne R. Elefante ; Ma, Lourdes S. Erum ; Lara Alesandra D. Estranero ; Leonita Elizabeth M. Gamboa ; Hans Kaiser Y. Herrera ; Vitcitoria Marie C. Kabiling ; Rica Andrea P. Luneta ; Angela Camille M. Mantes ; Ma. Rosalina F. Melendres ; John Louie F. Olidan ; Gaibrielle D. Paican ; Danielle Mae M. Pangilinan ; Irvin Jerome V. Salmasan ; Rene Gian G. Vilela and Cerelyn E. Dacula.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to determine the perception of parents on possible mandatory drug testing imposed on elementary school children. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The sampling population was 385 parents of elementary pupils in Hope Integrated Elementary School and West Fairview Elementary School during March to May of the year 2019 selected through randomized stratified sampling. Survey questionnaire was the main instrument used. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution. Majority of the respondents were knowledgeable on the proposed mandatory testing on elementary pupils. Furthermore, most of the respondents accepted the possibility that elementary pupils were already involved in the illegal drug use. A greater number of the respondents was in favour of allowing elementary pupils to undergo mandatory drug testing. Moreover, most of the respondents believed that having mandatory drug testing is an effective way of preventing drug use of elementary pupils. Finally, majority of the parents who participated in the study have confidence that mandatory drug testing would be beneficial to the students. Consequently, majority of the respondents were convinced that mandatory drug testing would not bring harm to the elementary pupils. It was recommended that The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSDW) may conduct orientation and awareness program on mandatory drug testing. Private and public elementary schools may organize open forum and discussion regarding mandatory drug testing. Parents may look for other sources of information about the benefits and harm that can be brought by drug testing.

Thesis - Department of Community & Family Medicine