COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA
REGION: WESTERN PACIFIC
Implementer: Secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia
Partners: Funding from the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation
Program Overview: The SHAHRP program aims to reduce alcohol related harm among secondary school students in Perth, Australia, by improving knowledge and attitudes, and reducing consumption.
Program Design: This class-room based intervention was delivered in two phases over a two year period, starting with 13 year old students. Phase one included eight to ten sessions lasting 40-60 minutes. Phase two consisted of 12 activities incorporating skills and information in an interactive way. Teachers were trained and given manuals, as well as workbooks and videos for students. For more information on curriculum development and content, see McBride et al., 20001.
Evaluation: The evaluation included 14 schools randomly assigned to either the control or intervention condition. Students in control schools completed traditional alcohol education classes, while students in the intervention schools participated in the SHAHRP program. Data on program effects were collected through self-report questionnaires measuring alcohol related, knowledge, attitudes, patterns of consumption, and experienced harms1. Data was collected at baseline, one year into the intervention and as follow-ups at 8, 20, and 32 months after the intervention.
Key findings2: Evaluation results found statistically significant program effects for alcohol related knowledge, attitudes, and consumption, specifically:
- SHAHRP participants showed greater knowledge related to alcohol at the first and second follow ups
- Students in the intervention groups developed significantly safer attitudes following the program and at all follow up periods
- Intervention group students consumed significantly less alcohol
- Smaller proportions of intervention students reported harmful levels of alcohol consumption in the past 30 days
Program Website: ndri.curtin.edu.au
References:
1. McBride, N., Farrington, F., & Midford, R. (2000).What harms do young Australians experience in alcohol use situations. Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, 24(1), 54.
2. McBride, N., Farringdon, F., Midford, R., Meuleners, L., & Phillips, M. (2004). Harm minimization in school drug education: final results of the School Health and Alcohol Harm Reduction Project (SHAHRP).Addiction, Vol. 99(3), 278-291.
Target Audience: High school (15-18 years old), Middle school (10-14 years)
Issues: Underage Drinking
Setting: Schools
Approach: Life Skills
