Impact Evaluation of Truman’s Pilot Test of Engage: A Harm Reduction Intervention 

Zachary T. Miesner
Dr. Roberta Donahue, Faculty Mentor

In April of 2024, 19 students participated in a pilot test of the Engage program at Truman State University. Engage is a violence prevention program designed to raise awareness, encourage change and empower students to take action to prevent harm on their college campus. Nine students were trained as Engage peer facilitators. Participants in Engage sessions completed a pretest about their knowledge, attitudes and intentions to intervene in potentially harmful situations before the session, and a posttest at the end of the session. The respondents’ intentions differed depending on whether the scenario included a friend, stranger, or acquaintance at risk. Participants’ intentions to act were also found to vary if the scenario involved alcohol and other drug use, bias and discrimination, interpersonal violence, or mental health concerns. This impact evaluation of Engage suggests that fully implementing this program at Truman could positively change campus culture to promote a safer environment.

Keywords: Engage, Violence Prevention, Intervention, Pilot Test, Impact Evaluation, Truman State University

Topic(s):Health Science

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA