Midwestern Prevention Project
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Midwestern Prevention Project (MPP) is a comprehensive, community-based prevention program whose goal is to reduce the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana among adolescents. The primary component is a school program offered to sixth and seventh graders. This is supported by four other components: a parent program, a community organization program, a program aimed at changing local drug policy, and mass-media events. MPP began in 1984 in Kansas City, Missouri, where it is known as Project STAR (Students Taught Awareness and Resistance).
The program’s components were designed to address the multiple influences adolescents face regarding drug use. On the demand side, the program tries to change behavior through teaching resistance skills. On the supply side, the program tries to change the environment by involving the entire community in drug-prevention activities. The different components of Project STAR were introduced sequentially over the course of several years, beginning with the school program. About 30 mass-media events, ranging from news articles to conferences, occurred every year.
The program’s components were designed to address the multiple influences adolescents face regarding drug use. On the demand side, the program tries to change behavior through teaching resistance skills. On the supply side, the program tries to change the environment by involving the entire community in drug-prevention activities. The different components of Project STAR were introduced sequentially over the course of several years, beginning with the school program. About 30 mass-media events, ranging from news articles to conferences, occurred every year.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this program is to reduce the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana among adolescents.
Impact
Evaluations of the project showed that there was a smaller increase in students who intend to use cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco within the upcoming months and that there were significant effects on the proportion of students reporting the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco.
Results / Accomplishments
The evaluation was a 6-year longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design. A random selection of public middle schools and junior high schools in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., were chosen to participate in the study. Results from the longitudinal MPP evaluations have demonstrated for program youths, compared with control youths, the following:
- A smaller increase in students who intend to use cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco within the upcoming months.
- Significant effects on the proportion of students reporting the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Less likelihood that the youths will believe in the positive consequences of using cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco.
- A greater likelihood that they will believe their friends would be unfriendly toward their use of drugs.
Further, these evaluations have demonstrated that MPP facilitated development of prevention programs, activities, and services among community leaders.
- A smaller increase in students who intend to use cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco within the upcoming months.
- Significant effects on the proportion of students reporting the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Less likelihood that the youths will believe in the positive consequences of using cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco.
- A greater likelihood that they will believe their friends would be unfriendly toward their use of drugs.
Further, these evaluations have demonstrated that MPP facilitated development of prevention programs, activities, and services among community leaders.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research
Source
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Model Programs Guide (MPG)
Date of publication
1998
Date of implementation
1985
For more details
http://www.crimesolutions.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?...
http://www.promisingpractices.net/program.asp?prog...
http://www.promisingpractices.net/program.asp?prog...
Target Audience
Teens