Evaluating an In-School Drug Prevention Program for At-Risk Youth

David J. DeWit, Barbara Steep, Gloria Silverman, Andrea Stevens-Lavigne, Kathy Ellis, Cindy Smythe, Barbara J. Rye, Kathy Braun and Eileen Wood

Abstract

This study assessed an in-school program aimed at preventing or reducing drug use and other deviant behavior in a sample of 167 at-risk youth in their transition years. Over 10 weeks, 17 one-hour sessions were offered to youth who were identified using a self-report questionnaire (at 9 schools with 12 control sites in Ontario, Canada). Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to assess program impact at posttest and six-month follow-up. Program participants, compared with the control group, reported less frequent drinking, cannabis use, nonprescribed tranquilizer or sedative use, and self-reported theft, and improved attitudes toward school (posttest only). They also reported less supportive attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use, and less risky drinking behavior (posttest and follow-up). There were no program effects for any of the personal and social competence or life skills measures (e.g., self-esteem, social skills).

Copyright © AJER, the Faculty of Education, and the University of Alberta, 2000.
Last revised: October 7, 2000.

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