PDF (Lessons learned in drug abuse prevention: a global review)

LOCAL
being given incentives. The novelty of using the materials in the first year was countered by
a declining involvement and motivation on the behalf of the teachers in the subsequent two
years. 70 teachers were trained in using the educational materials.
● Pupils:
The pupils' acceptance of the project was a great motivation for the teachers to continue its
application in the classroom. Approximately 1000 young people were reached through the
pilot project. The outcome evaluation showed increased knowledge and awareness on the
part of the pupils, parents and teachers on health issues taught in class. Comparisons with
a control school (see below) showed that substance use rates at the end of the third year
had increased more in the control school than in the target school.
TARGET SCHOOL
CONTROL SCHOOL
INCREASE RATIO
Legal drugs without prescription 1.58 -0.25
Hashish at least once 5.4 8.2
Heroin at least once 2.7 8.2
Smoke regularly3.72 19.36
Refuse to quit smoking 4 14.3
Abuse of alcohol -0.4 3.86
Table: Increase ratios as a result of programme implementation for boys only.
● Parents:
The participation of parents in activities targeted directly at them was limited, but parents
proved to be well informed about the nature and methodology of the overall project. There
also seemed to be an impact on parents’ habits concerning their own health, as well as on
their perception of the influence they were able to exert on their children as far as drug abuse
was concerned. Some parents declared having tried to reduce smoking and the consumption
of alcohol in order to avoid influencing their children with their own behaviour.
● Government:
Another result was the obtaining of the support of Greek authorities. The Ministry of
Education committed to financing the implementation of the programme in a large number
of schools in Greece. The materials were implemented in 25 schools in Peristeri, a community
of the larger Athens area, in 50 secondary schools in the Athens municipality, and in 10
secondary schools in Kallithea. Nowadays, most secondary schools in Greece promote health
education programmes.
● Other outcomes:
In the community in which the project was piloted, steps were subsequently taken by local
authorities towards the improvement of the quality of community life. This consisted of the
establishment of leisure time projects, a new counselling programme for adults, medical
check-ups for students, etc. The effect of these developments and changes in the wider
community as a result of the school project on the students' mental health are not conclusive.
However, it can be suggested that positive changes outside the school environment will
reinforce efforts made in the school environment.
Lessons Learned:
● Schools are an important setting, where preventive programmes can be
implemented consistently and systematically: By implementing the programme in
schools and integrating it into the standard school curriculum, a large number of
adolescents can be reached. By involving teachers in the programme, one can also
ensure systematic and consistent implementation by professionals who relate to young
people on a daily basis.
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