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Effectiveness of universal school-based programmes aimed at the primary prevention of violence in secondary school-aged young people (11-18 years): Results from a systematic review
Violence is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst young people. Primary prevention programmes aim to reduce the risk of involvement in violence, and are often implemented in a school-setting. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of universal school-based programmes aimed at the primary prevention of violence in 11-18 year olds.
Methods
Using a pre-defined search strategy 10 databases were searched for randomised design trials and quasi-experimental design trials (i.e. interrupted time series and controlled before-and-after studies) published between 2002 and 2013. Studies were included if the intervention targeted interpersonal violence and measured outcomes specific to violence.
Results
After screening 1531 abstracts, 13 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Due to considerable heterogeneity in terms of intervention, study design and outcomes, meta-analysis was not possible and a narrative synthesis was reported. Attitudes towards violence was the most frequently measured outcome with seven studies reporting a beneficial effect and one reporting no effect. Three of the five studies examining violent behaviour demonstrated a small beneficial effect and four of the six studies examining physical aggression demonstrated a small beneficial effect. The most effective interventions utilised social development and social norms components.
Discussion
This review found limited evidence for the effectiveness of school-based interventions aimed at the primary prevention of violence in 11-18 year olds. However, those that combined social development and social norms approaches appeared to be the most effective. Nonetheless, further research is needed to establish the process behind why such interventions succeed or fail.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practicePublic health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe the current evidence on the effectiveness of universal school-based programmes aimed at the primary prevention of violence in secondary school-aged young people (11-18 years).
Evaluate the methodological quality of randomised design trials and quasi-experimental design trials.
Discuss the need for process evaluations to better understand the mechanisms involved in the success or failure of an intervention.
Keyword(s): Violence & Injury Prevention, Youth Violence
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal investigator or co-investigator on a number of projects that have focused on violence prevention within schools and in the community. In particular, I have been involved in the evaluation of a number of school-based violence prevention interventions, and am currently involved in Cochrane/Campbell review of violence prevention initiatives for school-aged youths.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.