A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation of School-based Substance Misuse Prevention Programmes
Abstract
Abstract School-based substance use prevention programmes vary in effectiveness, and implementation quality is a key determinant of success. This systematic review and narrative synthesis aimed to identify features of post-primary school-based substance use prevention programmes that facilitate or hinder implementation. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, yielding 9586 articles. After duplicates were removed, four investigators independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, resolving conflicts collaboratively. Inclusion criteria were quantitative or qualitative peer-reviewed studies addressing barriers and facilitators to implementing school-based substance use prevention programmes. Studies focusing solely on nicotine products, protocols, or reviews were excluded. Data were extracted, methodologically assessed using a validated appraisal tool, and analysed through narrative synthesis. The review protocol was not pre-registered. No funding was received, and the authors declare no competing interests. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs, from diverse geographic regions. Four key components of programme implementation emerged: fidelity and adherence; programme feasibility and suitability; additional support; and teacher and student characteristics. Findings highlighted the importance of age-appropriate interactive design, supportive school…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.