COUNTRY: UNITED STATES
REGION: AMERICAS
Developer: Arizona State University, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center
Program Overview: Keepin' It Real is a school-based program for students 12-14 years of age which aims to reduce alcohol consumption, cigarette use, and marijuana use.
Program Design: Program curriculum is administered by trained teachers in a classroom setting. The curriculum includes 10 lessons which are delivered in 45 minute sessions, over a ten week period. Curriculum includes videos, worksheets, and activities. One of the main strategies of the program is teaching resistance skills; students learn four main strategies called REAL:
- Refuse offers to use substances
- Explain why you do not want to use substances
- Avoid situations in which substances are used
- Leave situation in which substances are used
More information on the program curriculum can be found here.
Evaluation: A study of 6,298 seventh grade student s in 35 middle schools in Pheonix, Arizona aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Keepin' It Real curriculum. The study used a compare and control group to compare changes in alcohol consumption, tobacco, and marijuana use over time and across control and intervention groups. The study used a pre test and follow ups at 2, 8, and 14 months following program implementation. Data were collected using a 45-minute questionnaire administered in the classroom. Items assessed past-30 day quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and marijuana use.
Alcohol-related items1:
- "How many drinks of alcohol have you had in the past 30 days?"
- "How many days in the past 30 days have you had alcohol to drink (Do NOT count for religious services)?"
Key findings1: Program evaluation found that students participating in the curriculum reported statistically significant:
- Reductions in rates of alcohol consumption following the intervention
- Reduced rates of growth in alcohol consumption and marijuana use over time
Program Website: sirc.asu.edu
References:
1. Hecht, M., Graham, J. W., & Elek, E. (2006). The drug resistance strategies intervention: Program effects on substance use. Health Communication, Vol. 20(3), 267-276.
Target Audience: Middle school (10-14 years)
Issues: Underage Drinking
Setting: Schools
Approach: Life Skills