Is it worth the RRISK? Evaluation of the RRISK (Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge) program for adolescents in rural Australia

PurposeThis study evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention targeting adolescent risk-taking associated with drug and alcohol use, driving, and celebrating.MethodsPre- and post written surveys were administered in 21 intervention and 19 comparison schools in Northern New South Wales during March 2003 and 2004. The instrument covered knowledge and attitudes associated with self-reported potentially harmful and protective behaviors. Analysis was by multi-level regression.ResultsThere were 2705 baseline and 1996 follow-up respondents. Adolescents in the intervention area who attended the Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) seminar demonstrated some significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes and behavior compared with those who did not attend, and some significant improvements in knowledge compared with students in comparison schools.ConclusionsA well-designed one-day seminar that builds on existing curricula, can achieve some significant medium-term benefits in knowledge attitudes and behaviors.