The Minimal Effects and Methodological Problems in the Evaluation of a Harm Reduction Drug Education Programme in a High School Setting

Abstract

Responses to an anonymous questionnaire were used to evaluate the effects of a drug education programme among high school students. The programme, taught as part of the social studies curriculum, was based on Dorn's situational based decision making process [1] with an extension into behavioural rehearsal of ‘appropriate’ social responses in drug offer and use situations. Results from a sample which was both pre and post-tested indicated a relatively long lasting increase in knowledge but no significant effects of the programme on either attitudes or self-reported past or anticipated behaviour. Initial significant differences between control and experimental students' responses were present illustrating the potential problems in evaluations employing a quasi experimental design.