Results of process evaluation of the Unplugged school-based prevention program in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background The UNODC with the collaboration of the Government implemented in Nigeria a large-scale project to promote healthy lifestyles in schools, families and communities. Within the project, the prevention program Unplugged was tested through a randomized controlled trial. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the program in the intervention schools and the satisfaction of teachers and students. Methods 32 schools were randomly extracted from a list of 60 schools provided by the Federal Ministry of Education. 16 schools were randomly allocated to intervention and implemented Unplugged. To monitor program implementation, the teachers filled a form reporting data on fidelity of implementation. To monitor satisfaction, teachers and students filled an anonymous form at the end of the program. Results 69% of intervention schools participated in the process evaluation. The duration of the units was on average 55 min. The implementation rate was very high. All classes implemented six units whilst less than 10% did not implement the other six units. The highest rate of not implementing classes was observed for unit 11 and 12. The highest student interest as declared by the teachers was observed for Unit 1 and 8, the highest interactivity for Unit 9 and 8. Most teachers found the units easy to lead and referred an improvement of teaching skills, knowledge about substances, relationship with the students and class climate, and found very useful the Teacher Handbook. Ninety percent of students considered Unplugged useful for their choices, for 82% it improved the vision of themselves, for 95% their knowledge, for 80% the relationship with mates and for 77% the relationship with teachers. 97.5% of students would like to have a similar program next year. Conclusions Unplugged reached in Nigeria very good results in terms of implementation and satisfaction of teachers and students. Process evaluation is useful to improve the quality of prevention interventions. Key messages School based prevention interventions like Unplugged can be successfully implemented in low income countries, especially when supported by printed Handbook for teachers. Teachers and students participating in Unplugged perceived an improvement of class climate and relationship between teachers and students due to the program.