An examination of the effectiveness of a drug education programme
Authors
O'Reilly, Laura
Issue Date
2003
Degree
MA in Addiction Studies
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The primary aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a drug education programme in a Local Drug Task Force Area, through an outcome evaluation. Specifically, the study examined the effectiveness of a drug education programme by measuring if participation in a drug education programme had any effect on participants' attitudes towards drug users. Twenty individuals participated in the study. Of this twenty, ten represented the control group and ten represented the control group. All twenty participants completed a pre-test and a post-test attitude questionnaire, which measured a change in attitude. The hypothesis stated that there would be a significant difference in attitude towards drug users of individuals who have participated in a drug education compared to individuals who did not participate in a drug education programme. The present study supported the hypothesis. (t = 3.358; df= 18; p>O.OI). The secondary aim of the study was to conduct a process evaluation as a measure of effectiveness of the drug education programme. Effectiveness was measured through semi-structured interviews that addressed the issue of programme implementation. Interviews revealed that participants identified gains such as increased confidence and encouragement to progress on to further education, training and employment. The possible application of the study could include the delivery of drug education in an effort to promote more positive attitudes towards drug users.