Lions Quest Positive Results Published in Prevention Science
Ariel Dickson
Lions Quest is continuously monitored and evaluated globally. To evaluate the impact of Lions Quest in South Eastern Europe, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducted a scientific analysis of pre-and post-test data sets, focusing on substance use and the intention to use substances (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) in the following 3 months. The statistically significant positive results confirmed the effectiveness of Lions Quest on students who took part in the program.
Lions Quest has the added benefit of connecting civil society organizations, like Lions clubs, with the relevant Ministries and institutions…
LCIF and UNODC jointly submitted the findings of the first three-country pilot that took place in Serbia, North Macedonia (referred to as Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), and Montenegro. “Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence Program as a School Intervention to Prevent Substance Use—a Pilot Study Across Three South East European Countries” was published in Prevention Science in May 2019. The article summarizes the results of the pilot project that showed positive outcomes particularly related to the improved refusal skills and overall reduction of substance use along with the reduction of the intention to use substances among students. Data collected from these projects has contributed to the limited body of research on prevention programs in low- and middle-income countries.
Participating ministries and other national institutions have applauded the success of the program in their countries, and others around the world have taken note. Unlike other life skills programs, Lions Quest has the added benefit of connecting civil society organizations, like Lions clubs, with the relevant Ministries and institutions in the joint implementation and scaling-up of evidence-based drug-use prevention interventions. This provides a structure for community involvement in positive youth development. The publication in Prevention Science argues for the promotion of evidence-based interventions like Lions Quest as part of national policymakers’ plans articulating drug prevention strategy.
As part of the second pilot cycle, LCIF and UNODC are now investigating the effectiveness of a two-year implementation cycle. They continue to monitor all participants, namely students and teachers, while providing additional support to strengthen their social and emotional competencies.
Ariel Dickson, is the Lions Clubs International Foundation regional specialist for Lions Quest programming in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.
