Evaluation of network maping strategies and management of alcohol related problems in schools

• Grant number: 18/02206-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2018
• End date: May 05, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Ana Regina Noto
• Grantee: Elaine Lucas dos Santos
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Schools have been a designated context for the implementation ofprevention programs, however, educators report difficulties in approaching subjectsrelated to alcohol use due to a lack of resources, support and counseling options forsituations that they are unable to handle. As a manner of reducing such difficulties andbroaden health promotion actions in educational contexts, the objective of this project isto evaluate the development process of strategies to map and contact a support networkfor schools to cope with alcohol consumption related issues. Methods: This studyfollows a qualitative action-research referential. Three schools were selected toparticipate and will designate a minimum team of four educators, at least one being theinstitution's manager. They will be trained in the field of substance use and then willdevelop, together with the researchers, strategies to map a network that will aid schoolsto handle alcohol use related issues. Each team will identify and establish internal andexternal networks. In the course of the research, indicators will be establish to evaluatethe process of intervention development, following action-research precepts: 1- Problemidentification; 2 - Recognition (identification of facts about the problem and literatureresearch); 3 - Planning of activities to solve the problem; 4 - Implementation; 5 -Monitoring the effectiveness in solving the issue; 6 - Evaluation of the action's effects;7- Improvement of the plan and necessary changes; 8 - Completion of the cycle whenthe issue is solved. At the end of the project's execution, the mapped networks will beshared in na online platform and an event will be organized in order to develop theresults to the institutions that participated. Expected results: The development of amethodology to map supporting networks for schools. Each school's teams, overseen bythe researchers, will be able to identify and contact internal and external networks tohelp them handle issues related to alcohol consumption.