Download Unity, in a scientific perspective

Unity, in a scientific perspective
At this moment Unity seems a promising intervention to be
successful. Yet still no scientific evidence that the
intervention is actually effective, the demand for an
effectivness study is increasing. In the 12 years that Unity
exists lost of attention is given to scientific support and
evaluation. An impact study has not yet been executed and the
program is still not evidence-based. This report summarizes
the most recent scientific support and evaluation for peer
methode. On the basis of three levels (see box) this article
seeks to determine the scientific status of the Unity model.
First, the article starts with a description of the scientific
and theoretical basis for this intervention. Then, the results
of an evaluation in 2007 are discussed. This study was part of
a research study on peer education is conducted by the
University of New South Wales. This report is not meant as
research report to that study, but rather as an integrated
paper provided an overview of the scientific state of Unity.
To determine the scientific status of an intervention three
levels are defined.
Best practice
This name is given to a method which in practice has shown
that is in practice most effective. These interventions are
well described and implemented by various organizations.
Important is that the actions and the results are evaluated so
that adjustments can be made so that the desired result is
achieved.
Science based
This name is given to interventions based on a scientific
theoretical framework. In a science-based intervention an
effectivness study has been done, but not according to the
rules of a random clinical trial (RCT), so without a
controlgroup and not random. The science-based interventions
have proved to reduce the symptoms or problems which the
intervention is directed to and / or lead to a positive change
on intermediate goals.
Evidence based
An intervention is called evidence based when the
effectiveness is demonstrated on the basis of at least one
well-run random clinical trial (RCT). An RCT is a study where
participants are randomly divided into two or more groups and
where one group receives the intervention and the other does
not. This latter group served as controls. Only when an
intervention has proven its effect after this kind of
research, it is assumed that the effectiveness is proven.
Summary
Unity is a peer education model that focuses on risk reduction
of alcohol and drug use in nightlife settings. The theory of
planned behavior is a prominent behavioral model that is the
theoretical basis of this intervention. Present Unity is a
promising method that best practice and science based in the
field of alcohol and drug awareness among clubbers. Evaluation
among 266 ecstasy users (report to follow) shows that Unity
contributes to more information seeking behavior and that the
information leads to changes in use in more than half of the
respondents. It also showed that visitors of the Unity stand
are positive about Unity and that they find the information
they get very reliable. The theoretical framework and findings
of this study show positive indications of the effectiveness
of these interventions. A comprehensive impact study is needed
to ensure the effectiveness of Unity definitive evidence.