Evaluability of the Descolado Program in preventing drug use in the school context

ABSTRACT The abusive use of alcohol and drug prevention in adolescence has become a cross-cutting theme in policies and encouraged the construction of preventive programs. However, there is still a need to evaluate the implementation process of these programs. The Evaluability Study (EA) is a pre-assessment stage and describes the logical way in which the assessment process will take place. This article aims to present the results of the EA of Descolado Program – alcohol and other drug prevention strategy developed in schools in the city of Recife, Pernambuco. It is an evaluative study, with qualitative approach, carried out through documental research, interviews and meetings with key informants. The Delphi consensus technique was used to analyze intervention models and evaluation theory. The results showed that the program is evaluable, and the modeling allowed for better understanding about the program by those involved. The technical and management teams critically reflected on the program, enabling adjustments in objectives, activities and resources since the beginning of the evaluation process. The evaluation questions identified according to components of the Logic Model can guide subsequent studies, having signaled for an implementation evaluation – case study of the Descolado Program.