March 2023-September 2023, funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Aim: The aim is to deliver and evaluate a drug education programme for school students aged 13-15 years in England. Phase 1 – development – aimed to further develop the existing programme and prepare for a more comprehensive evaluation in Phase 2. The programme includes teacher training, a play performance, workshops for students, workshops for parents/ carers, and drug education lessons.
Methods: Interviews, focus groups and surveys were held with students, teachers, and parents/ carers to collect data on their views and experiences of the existing programme and on the effectiveness of programme components.
Key findings: This preliminary evaluation resulted in revisions to the content and approaches of the DSMF programme. A report was sent to the funder, NIHR, and the study formed the basis of a bid to NIHR for a larger evaluation in Phase 2.
Research team: Betsy Thom, Karen Duke, Camille Alexis-Garsee and Rachel Herring (Middlesex), Fiona Spargo-Mabbs (Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation).
