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Project Northland in Croatia: Results and Lessons Learned

NCJ Number
223818
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 55-70
Author(s)
Bernadette West Ph.D., M.A.; Diane Abatemarco Ph.D., M.S.W.; Pamela A. Ohman-Strickland Ph.D.; Vezna Zec B.A.; Andrea Russo; Ranko Milic
Date Published
2008
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of a youth alcohol deterrence program in Croatia.
Abstract
The study provides quantitative data that showed that the intervention was more successful in changing attitudes in the first 2 years, but had less impact on older students. Additionally, there was qualitative data which suggested that there were benefits from the program overall. As part of an international public health partnership formed in 2001, the work assessed the impact of Project Northland in Croatia--an adolescent alcohol school-based prevention intervention implemented in the city of Split--on students. The work recommends that, as the intervention had been successful in the earlier grades, the program should be initiated earlier to have a greater impact. Various challenges and lessons learned are also offered for consideration. The curriculum was implemented in 13 randomly selected schools with another 13 schools serving as controls. The evaluation included quantitative and qualitative methods, using pre/post-tests to compare intervention and controls and followup focus groups with parents and teachers. Primary schools, which included grades 1one through eight in Croatia, were selected for comparability of size and geographic distribution. Within the sample of schools in Split, the student population was relatively homogenous. Tables, figure, and references