Is Mass-Media Effective for Drug Prevention?
Mass-media can be a great means for sharing knowledge and information. A study recently published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) aimed to determine whether such channels are successful in reducing the intention to use, and the consumption of, illegal drugs. In a systematic review of existing mass-media drug usage prevention campaigns, the study found mixed levels of effectiveness. A significant number of the interventions evaluated offered no evidence of effect. A smaller number provided evidence of favourable results, whereas fewer still showed evidence of detrimental health effects. Given the risk of adverse effects, the authors of the study advise that caution is needed when disseminating mass-media campaigns which look to combat drug use.
