ABSTRACT of Thesis by
Miriam Gatt

Primary effectiveness of drug prevention attempts to dissuade an individual from initiating tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use. This thesis deals with an evaluation of the Jeans drug prevention programme. The research tool, a questionnaire, was distributed to four Secondary schools and was aimed at investigating the knowledge and attitudes of fourth formers in relation to alcohol and tobacco. The questionnaires were submitted to 60 students who undergone the programme and another 60 who did not, thus allowing for a comparison between the two groups. Focus groups were also held in two schools were the students had undergone the Jeans programme. The group interviews tackled the content of this programme together with the pedagogy used to be carried out. Furthermore, this study evaluates the impact of the Jeans programme on students who have undergone the programme one or two years previously in comparison with those who have not. This dissertation proceeds by analysing, interpreting and discussing the feedback obtained through the questionnaire and focus groups. The study rounds up with the conclusions brought to light after carrying out this research as well as recommendations.

B.Ed. (Hons.)
May 2002

Keywords:
Prevention Programmes;
Drug Abuse;
Primary Prevention;
Substance Misuse;
Prevention in Secondary Schools;
Alcohol and Tobacco.

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