Broader impacts of an intervention to transform school environments on student behaviour and school functioning: post hoc analyses from the INCLUSIVE cluster randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open. 2020 May 15;10(5):e031589. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031589.

Abstract

Background: We have previously reported benefits for reduced bullying, smoking, alcohol and other drug use and mental health from a trial of 'Learning Together', an intervention that aimed to modify school environments and implement restorative practice and a social and emotional skill curriculum.

Objectives: To conduct post hoc theory-driven analyses of broader impacts.

Design: Cluster randomised trial.

Settings: 40 state secondary schools in southern England.

Participants: Students aged 11/12 years at baseline.

Outcomes: Student self-reported measures at 24 and 36 months of: cyberbullying victimisation and perpetration; observations of other students perpetrating aggressive behaviours at school; own perpetration of aggressive behaviours in and outside school; perceived lack of safety at school; participation in school disciplinary procedures; truancy and e-cigarette use.

Results: We found evidence of multiple impacts on other health (reduced e-cigarette use, cyberbullying perpetration, perpetration of aggressive behaviours) and educational (reduced participation in school disciplinary procedures and truancy) outcomes.

Conclusion: These analyses suggested that the intervention was effective in bringing about a broader range of beneficial outcomes, adding to the evidence that the intervention is a promising approach to promote adolescent health via an intervention that is attractive to schools.

Trial registration number: ISRCTN10751359.

Keywords: epidemiology; public health; statistics & research methods.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bullying* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems*
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • School Health Services
  • Schools
  • Students

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN10751359