ROLE DIFFERENCES IN GATEKEEPER PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL-BASED DRUG AND SEXUALITY EDUCATION-PROGRAMS - A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Using a mail survey, we collected data on attitudes and opinions about school drug/sexuality education from 606 individuals representing 106 junior and senior high schools in Illinois. Respondents from five rol e groups (principals, district administrators, school board members, t eachers and parents) completed questions regarding perceptions of stud ent risk behaviors and effects of school health programs in four areas : drug/alcohol use, tobacco use, AIDS/STDs and teen pregnancy, For eac h program area, we analyzed six constructs across respondent groups: p erceived seriousness of problem, perceived prevalence of problem, perc eived acceptance of school program, perceived program effectiveness on student attitudes and behavior, and satisfaction with school program. To test role differences, MANOVA and random-effects regression model analyses were performed. Significant differences in role perceptions w ere found for all constructs except perceived program effectiveness on student attitudes. Overall, teachers and parents responded similarly to each other and different from other groups. They tended to be less satisfied with school programs, view programs as less effective and pe rceive other role groups as less accepting. We discuss the discrepancy in role perceptions in the context of diffusion theory, application t o designing interventions, and potential impact on school program deci sions, implementation and maintenance of change.