Purpose: The demand for proven science-based substance abuse prevention programs has never been greater. To meet this need, comprehensive training programs have been designed to disseminate prevention programs to local schools and community based organizations. However, who is evaluating the quality and effectiveness of these training programs?
Methods: In response to this question, a 6-month study was undertaken to evaluate the training program used to disseminate the Life Skills Training (LST) program. The goals of this study were to: 1) assess the quality of the training program, the certified trainers and the training program materials; 2) determine the overall satisfaction of the program participants; 3) identify individual factors correlated with a successful training program; 4) highlight the most successful training activities; 5) understand if the training program effectively met the needs of the training participants; 6) increase understanding of the factors that advance or complicate dissemination of a program.
Results: Study results will be presented from surveys of more than 1,000 LST training participants. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be shared. Implications for dissemination of future public health programs will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1) Recognize the need for evaluating substance abuse prevention training programs; 2) Describe the satisfaction of the LST training participants; 3) Identify lessons learned from this study that can be applied to the field of public health education.
Keywords: Training, Evaluation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.