Brief Description

The Staff/Team Evaluation of Prevention Programs (STEPP) is a structured self-report assessment tool developed to capture the opinions and attitudes of young people regarding substance use prevention programs. Based on the work of J. D. Hawkins and B. Nederhood, the questionnaire has been adapted by KETHEA for use with primary and secondary school students in Greece.

Purpose

The STEPP questionnaire is designed to evaluate the impact, effectiveness, and acceptance of prevention programs directly from the students’ perspective. It also aims to identify needs for prevention services and improve the quality of school-based interventions.

Scoring Method

The STEPP includes a range of statements and questions to which students respond using Likert-type scales (e.g., from “Not at all” to “Very much” or “Strongly disagree” to “Strongly agree”). Responses are scored numerically, and results can be calculated as average scores by thematic section or as cumulative indices. The tool evaluates cognitive (knowledge), emotional (attitudes), and behavioral (intentions/expectations) components.

Validity

The STEPP demonstrates satisfactory conceptual and content validity, as it is based on theoretical prevention models and empirical data from the social sciences. Its adaptation by KETHEA followed scientific criteria to align with Greek educational and social contexts.

Reliability

While specific statistical indicators for the Greek version have not been published, the tool’s reliability is supported by its consistent application in research and educational settings. The original version was tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability within the U.S. public health system.

Data Analysis and Use

Data are analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and, when appropriate, correlational or comparative methods (e.g., by gender, age, or school). Results are used to improve and refine prevention programs and to inform public health policies and educational planning. The tool can also be used to assess longitudinal changes in attitudes following intervention programs.

References

Hawkins, J. D., & Nederhood, B. (1987). Handbook for Evaluating Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programs. Staff/Team Evaluation of Prevention Programs (STEPP). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Maryland: DHHS Publication No. (ADM 87-1512).