Effectiveness of universal school-based programs to prevent violent and aggressive behavior: a systematic review.
Universal, school-based programs, intended to prevent violent behavior, have been used at all grade levels from pre-kindergarten through high school. These programs may be targeted to schools in a high-risk area-defined by low socioeconomic status or high crime rate-and to selected grades as well. All children in those grades receive the programs in their own classrooms, not in special pull-out sessions. According to the criteria of the systematic review methods developed for the Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide), there is strong evidence that universal, school-based programs decrease rates of violence among school-aged children and youth. Program effects were consistent at all grade levels. An independent, recently updated meta-analysis of school-based programs confirms and supplements the Community Guide findings.
National Center for Health Marketing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. Rhahn@cdc.gov
Robert
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Hahn
Dawna
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Fuqua-Whitley
Holly
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Wethington
Jessica
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Lowy
Alex
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Crosby
Mindy
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Fullilove
Robert
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Johnson
Akiva
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Liberman
Eve
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Moscicki
LeShawndra
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Price
Susan
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Snyder
Farris
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Tuma
Stella
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Cory
Glenda
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Stone
Kaushik
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Mukhopadhaya
Sajal
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Chattopadhyay
Linda
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Dahlberg
D000374:Aggression; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D011315:Preventive Medicine; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services; D012574:Schools; D012923:Social Class; D013334:Students; D014481:United States; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*