ATOD-TV: evaluation of a multimedia program designed to educate the public about substance abuse

Funded by a US$190,000 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, The Missouri Institute of Mental Health developed an interactive multimedia program to educate the general public about substance abuse. Using audio, video, photographs, and animation, the program uses a television metaphor to encourage users to explore its content. Placed in five kiosks throughout St. Louis, the program contains modules on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for addictions. After 2 months of use, nearly 3000 people interacted with the system. An initial pre-/post-evaluation indicated that the program has the potential to influence users' attitudes and knowledge about substance abuse research and treatment. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.