Peer-led and adult-led school drug prevention: a meta-analytic comparison.
Several studies have suggested that peer-led drug prevention programs are more effective than adult-led programs, but the evidence is not conclusive. In this article the results are presented of a meta-analysis of studies that compare drug prevention programs led by peers to the same programs led by adults. Twelve studies were identified in a systematic literature search. The quality of these studies was not optimal, and the interventions and target groups differed considerably among studies. Overall, peer-led programs were found to be somewhat more effective than adult-led programs (standardized difference d: 0.24). Large differences between studies were found, with some studies indicating greater effects for peer-led programs and other studies showing greater effects for adult-led programs. It is concluded that the effectiveness of a prevention program is determined by several characteristics of the programs. The leader may constitute one of those characteristics.
Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Trimbos Institute.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*