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Wall H, Hansson H, Zetterlind U, Kvillemo P, Elgán TH. Effectiveness of a Web-Based Individual Coping and Alcohol Intervention Program for Children of Parents With Alcohol Use Problems: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52118. [PMID: 38598286 PMCID: PMC11043930 DOI: 10.2196/52118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children whose parents have alcohol use problems are at an increased risk of several negative consequences, such as poor school performance, an earlier onset of substance use, and poor mental health. Many would benefit from support programs, but the figures reveal that only a small proportion is reached by existing support. Digital interventions can provide readily accessible support and potentially reach a large number of children. Research on digital interventions aimed at this target group is scarce. We have developed a novel digital therapist-assisted self-management intervention targeting adolescents whose parents had alcohol use problems. This program aims to strengthen coping behaviors, improve mental health, and decrease alcohol consumption in adolescents. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a novel web-based therapist-assisted self-management intervention for adolescents whose parents have alcohol use problems. METHODS Participants were recruited on the internet from social media and websites containing health-related information about adolescents. Possible participants were screened using the short version of the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test-6. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=101) or the waitlist control group (n=103), and they were unblinded to the condition. The assessments, all self-assessed, consisted of a baseline and 2 follow-ups after 2 and 6 months. The primary outcome was the Coping With Parents Abuse Questionnaire (CPAQ), and secondary outcomes were the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), and Ladder of Life (LoL). RESULTS For the primary outcome, CPAQ, a small but inconclusive treatment effect was observed (Cohen d=-0.05 at both follow-up time points). The intervention group scored 38% and 46% lower than the control group on the continuous part of the AUDIT-C at the 2- and 6-month follow-up, respectively. All other between-group comparisons were inconclusive at either follow-up time point. Adherence was low, as only 24% (24/101) of the participants in the intervention group completed the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The findings were inconclusive for the primary outcome but demonstrate that a digital therapist-assisted self-management intervention may contribute to a reduction in alcohol consumption. These results highlight the potential for digital interventions to reach a vulnerable, hard-to-reach group of adolescents but underscore the need to develop more engaging support interventions to increase adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN41545712; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN41545712?q=ISRCTN41545712. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/1471-2458-12-35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håkan Wall
- Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Hansson
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulla Zetterlind
- Clinical Health Promotion Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pia Kvillemo
- Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias H Elgán
- Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
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Howe EJ, Bishop LD, Torraville BS, Rowe EC, Kinzel E, Donnan JR. Canadian cannabis education resources to support youth health literacy: A scoping review and environmental scan. HEALTH EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023; 82:766-778. [PMID: 37927456 PMCID: PMC10620065 DOI: 10.1177/00178969231191085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The 2018 legalisation of cannabis in Canada sparked concern and conversation about the potential negative impacts of youth cannabis use. It is clear that young people are already engaging in cannabis use for a variety of reasons; therefore, youth cannabis education is desirable to promote harm reduction and reduce the risk of adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Objective To identify and categorise Canadian cannabis education resources using a social-ecological approach informed by the youth health literacy framework, considering multiple factors at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels that influence health literacy and impact behaviour. Methods In line with scoping review methodology, database searches and an environmental scan of materials were completed. Specific inclusion criteria were identified to encompass all Canadian cannabis education resources directed towards young people aged 9-18 years and adults in contact with youth. Results A total of 60 resources were identified and categorised using the youth health literacy framework in terms of their focus on (1) micro influences (resources for youth); (2) meso influences (resources for teachers, parents, mentors); and (3) macro influences (resources for indigenous communities and medical professionals). Conclusions While many resources were identified, issues exist with the accessibility, quality and multicultural considerations of such resources, warranting the development of comprehensive, evidence-based and harm reduction-focused cannabis education for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Howe
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Lisa D. Bishop
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | | | - Emily C. Rowe
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Eden Kinzel
- Health Sciences Library, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Jennifer R. Donnan
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
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Fischer NR. School-based harm reduction with adolescents: a pilot study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:79. [PMID: 36503561 PMCID: PMC9743577 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00502-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A pilot study of Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens showed significant results pre to post curriculum with high school freshmen. Negative outcomes of drug education are linked to a failure to engage students because of developmentally inappropriate materials that include activities that have no relevance to real experiences of young people. The few harm reduction studies showed increased student drug related knowledge. Students were less likely to consume substances, and less likely to consume to harmful levels. More studies are necessary to evidence harm reduction efficacy in the classroom. The goal of this study was to measure harm reduction knowledge and behaviors, including drug policy advocacy, before and after Safety First. Data were analyzed using McNemar's test, ANOVA, linear regression, t-tests and thematic coding. Survey results, corroborated by the qualitative findings, showed a significant increase (p < .05) in high school freshmen harm reduction knowledge and behaviors in relationship to substance use pre to post Safety First. This increase related to a decrease in overall substance use. Harm reduction is often perceived as a controversial approach to substance use. These findings have implications for further study of what could be a promising harm reduction-based substance use intervention with teens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rose Fischer
- grid.258202.f0000 0004 1937 0116John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 W. 59th Street Rm. 6.65.09, New York, NY 91001 USA
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Exploring Youths’ Cannabis Health Literacy Post Legalization: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584221118380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada was intended to protect youth health and safety by limiting access and raising awareness of safety and risks. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore youths’ perceptions of their cannabis health literacy and future educational needs. A convenience sample of youth aged 13 to 18 residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada who may or may not have consumed cannabis were included. A qualitative study using virtual focus groups with semi-structured interview questions was conducted. Ethics approval was obtained. All sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis used a social-ecological framework for adolescent health literacy. Six focus groups ( n = 38) were conducted with youth of all ages and from rural and urban areas. Three main themes were identified: (i) micro influences (age, gender, and beliefs), (ii) meso influences, (family, peers, and school enforcement), (iii) macro influences (cannabis legalization and social media), and (iv) evidence informed information (harm reduction and cannabis properties). They desired evidence-informed education using harm-reduction principles, integrated early, and interactive. The findings provide support for a cannabis health literacy framework that will inform youth cannabis education programs. Interactive approaches with real-world application should support their autonomy, share knowledge, and minimize stigma.
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Kvillemo P, Strandberg AK, Gripenberg J. Attitudes to Cannabis Use and Public Prevention Information Among Young Adults: A Qualitative Interview Study With Implications for Prevention Practice. Front Public Health 2022; 10:830201. [PMID: 35812509 PMCID: PMC9261461 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.830201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabis use carries an increased risk of ill health and social problems, especially when initiated at a young age. Drug use is influenced by individual beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes, which are, in turn, governed by social and environmental factors. In recent years, a less restrictive attitude toward cannabis has been observed in many countries, with concerns about increased cannabis use among young people. The aim of the current study was to gain a deeper understanding of young adults' attitudes toward cannabis use and public prevention information about cannabis. Methods A qualitative interview study was conducted among 32 anonymous informants aged 18-29 years in the Stockholm region. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a digital video calling platform. A qualitative content analysis of the interviews was performed to generate categories and codes for cannabis use and attitudes toward prevention information. Results Both cannabis users and abstainers perceived some risks with cannabis; however, for many users, the positive effects appeared to outweigh any expected harm. Furthermore, the existing public information was perceived as less credible because of an excessive focus on harm. The informants expressed a desire for neutral facts about the effects of cannabis, delivered by credible senders. Moreover, they felt that prevention information should be delivered by individuals whom young people look up to or with whom they can identify, for example, people with authority or famous people such as influencers. The informants also underlined the importance of dialogue with the target group and taking young people's experiences into account when providing information about cannabis. Conclusion Current risk awareness associated with cannabis use among young adults is insufficient to prevent them from using cannabis. Public prevention information should preferably combine a fact-based focus on risks with recognition of cannabis' short-term desired effects, delivered by credible senders with authority or those with whom young people can identify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kvillemo
- Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems (STAD), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
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Noyes EA, Dunleavy S, Mail V, Plakas I, Keyes S, Gaeta JM, Obando A, Paci E, Lent C, Regis C, Taveras EM, Yule AM, Chatterjee A. Awareness, Utilization, and Preferences of Harm Reduction Interventions among Street-Involved Young Adults in Boston. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:827-832. [PMID: 35195488 PMCID: PMC10372698 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores knowledge and utilization of, barriers to, and preferences for harm reduction services among street-involved young adults (YA) in Boston, Massachusetts. METHODS This cross-sectional survey of YA encountered between November and December 2019 by a longstanding outreach program for street-involved YA. We report descriptive statistics on participant-reported substance use, knowledge and utilization of harm reduction strategies, barriers to harm reduction services and treatment, and preferences for harm reduction service delivery. RESULTS The 52 YA surveyed were on average 21.4 years old; 63.5% were male, and 44.2% were Black. Participants reported high past-week marijuana (80.8%) and alcohol (51.9%) use, and 15.4% endorsed opioid use and using needles to inject drugs in the past six months. Fifteen (28.8%) YA had heard of "harm reduction", and 17.3% reported participating in harm reduction services. The most common barriers to substance use disorder treatment were waitlists and cost. Participants suggested that harm reduction programs offer peer support (59.6%) and provide a variety of services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (42.3%) and sexually transmitted infection testing (61.5%) at flexible times and in different languages, including Spanish (61.5%) and Portuguese (17.3%). CONCLUSIONS There is need for comprehensive, YA-oriented harm reduction outreach geared toward marginalized YA and developed with YA input to reduce barriers, address gaps in awareness and knowledge of harm reduction, and make programs more relevant and inviting to YA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victoria Mail
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel Plakas
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Keyes
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aura Obando
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Paci
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Craig Regis
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy M Yule
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ventresca M, Truman E, Elliott C. Assessing public health messaging about cannabis edibles: perspectives from canadian young adults. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2021.1937943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matt Ventresca
- Department of Communication, Media, and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Emily Truman
- Department of Communication, Media, and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media, and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Bishop AS, Fleming CM, Nurius PS. Substance Use Profiles Among Gang-Involved Youth: Social Ecology Implications for Service Approaches. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 119:105600. [PMID: 33184526 PMCID: PMC7654736 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Substance use is a frequently cited health risk behavior in the youth gang literature, yet little is known about how substance use patterns vary among gang-involved youth or the social ecological factors that contribute to potential variation. Developing relevant and effective service approaches will require an understanding of this variation and the malleable factors that are likely to promote or inhibit particular patterns of use. Using latent class analysis, we identified four substance use classes within a school-based sample of gang-involved youth (n = 2,770): Non-Users (38%), Past Users (15%), Casual Users (27%), and Frequent Multi-Users (21%). These classes were distinguished by substance type, frequency of use, and source of access. Demographic and substance use-specific ecological factors across the family, peer, school, and neighborhood contexts were found to significantly differentiate these classes. Specifically, acceptance of use by parents, friends, and neighbors, along with a lack of family rules and high accessibility in the neighborhood, significantly differentiated use patterns. Findings highlight the need for service approaches that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals and their environments. Implications for practice are discussed, including the potential utility of applying a harm reduction service framework to address youth gang substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia S. Bishop
- School of Social Work, University of Washington 4101, 15 Avenue N.E., Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Fleming
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, 1600 Millrace Drive, Eugene, Oregon, 97403, United States of America
| | - Paula S. Nurius
- School of Social Work, University of Washington 4101, 15 Avenue N.E., Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States of America
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Zuckermann AME, Gohari MR, de Groh M, Jiang Y, Leatherdale ST. The role of school characteristics in pre-legalization cannabis use change among Canadian youth: implications for policy and harm reduction. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2020; 35:297-305. [PMID: 32623462 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reducing youth cannabis use in Canada is a public health priority with schools of interest as a potential modifier of behavior and as a venue for prevention programming. This work aimed to provide a basis for future policy and programming by evaluating pre-legalization cannabis use change patterns in schools and the impact of school characteristics on these patterns. Average rates of cannabis use behavior change (initiation, escalation, reduction, cessation) were collected from 88 high schools located in Ontario and Alberta, Canada participating in the COMPASS prospective cohort study. There was little variability in cannabis use behaviors between schools with intra-class correlation coefficients lowest for cessation (0.02) and escalation (0.02) followed by initiation (0.03) and reduction (0.05). Modest differences were found based on school province, urbanicity and student-peer use. Cannabis ease of access rates had no significant effect. Fewer than half the schools reported offering school drug use prevention programs; these were not significantly associated with student cannabis use behaviors. In conclusion, current school-based cannabis prevention efforts do not appear sufficiently effective. Comprehensive implementation of universal prevention programs may reduce cannabis harms. Some factors (urbanicity, peer use rates) may indicate which schools to prioritize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M E Zuckermann
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Applied Research Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, 785 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mahmood R Gohari
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Margaret de Groh
- Applied Research Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, 785 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ying Jiang
- Applied Research Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, 785 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Scott T Leatherdale
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Slemon A, Jenkins EK, Haines-Saah RJ, Daly Z, Jiao S. "You can't chain a dog to a porch": a multisite qualitative analysis of youth narratives of parental approaches to substance use. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:26. [PMID: 30953558 PMCID: PMC6451235 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing harms of youth substance use is a global priority, with parents identified as a key target for efforts to mitigate these harms. Much of the research informing parental responses to youth substance use are grounded in abstinence and critiqued as ineffective and unresponsive to youth contexts. Parental provision of substances, particularly alcohol, is a widely used approach, which some parents adopt in an attempt to minimize substance use harms; however, research indicates that this practice may actually increase harms. There is an absence of research exploring youth perspectives on parental approaches to substance use or the approaches youth find helpful in minimizing substance use-related harms. METHODS This paper draws on interviews with youth aged 13-18 (N = 89) conducted within the Researching Adolescent Distress and Resilience (RADAR) study in three communities in British Columbia, Canada. An ethnographic approach was used to explore youth perspectives on mental health and substance use within intersecting family, social, and community contexts. This analysis drew on interview data relating to youth perspectives on parental approaches to substance use. A multisite qualitative analysis (MSQA) was conducted to examine themes within each research site and between all three sites to understand how youth perceive and respond to parental approaches to substance use in different risk environment contexts. RESULTS Within each site, youths' experiences of and perspectives on substance use were shaped by their parents' approaches, which were in turn situated within local social, geographic, and economic community contexts. Youth descriptions of parental approaches varied by site, though across all sites, youth articulated that the most effective approaches were those that resonated with the realities of their lives. Zero-tolerance approaches were identified as unhelpful and unresponsive, while approaches that were aligned with harm reduction principles were viewed as relevant and supportive. CONCLUSIONS Youth perspectives illustrate that parental approaches to substance use that are grounded in harm reduction principles resonate with young people's actual experiences and can support the minimization of harms associated with substance use. Evidence-based guidance is needed that supports parents and young people in adopting more contextually responsive harm reduction approaches to youth substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Emily K. Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Rebecca J. Haines-Saah
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Zachary Daly
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Sunny Jiao
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
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Jenkins EK, Slemon A, Haines-Saah RJ. Developing harm reduction in the context of youth substance use: insights from a multi-site qualitative analysis of young people's harm minimization strategies. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:53. [PMID: 28760146 PMCID: PMC5537985 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth substance use programming and educational strategies are frequently informed by prevention approaches that emphasize abstinence goals, which often do not resonate with youth in their lack of acknowledgment of young people's social context and how young people perceive positive effects of substance use. Further, approaches to drug prevention have been critiqued as adopting a one-size-fits-all approach and therefore inadequate in addressing substance use in the context of population variation and inequities. In response to the limitations of current approaches to prevention, programming informed by harm reduction principles that aims to minimize harms without requiring abstinence is emergent in school settings. However, youth perspectives informing harm reduction are limited in both research and program development. METHODS This paper draws on data from the Researching Adolescent Distress and Resilience (RADAR) study, which utilized an ethnographic approach to bring youth voice to the literature on mental health and substance use. Qualitative data collection included individual interviews (n = 86) with young people aged 13-18 across three communities-representing urban, suburban, and rural geographies-in British Columbia, Canada. A multi-site qualitative analysis of interview data was conducted to identify themes across and within each research site. RESULTS Across all three sites, young people's individual experiences of substance use were shaped by geographic, socio-cultural, and political contexts, with youth describing their use in relation to the nature of substance use in peer groups and in the broader community. To manage their own substance use and reduce related harms, youth employed a variety of ad hoc harm minimization strategies that were reflective of their respective contexts. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study suggest the importance of harm reduction approaches that are contextually relevant and responsive to the lived experiences of youth. Youth perspectives in the development of harm reduction programming are needed to ensure that approaches are relatable and meaningful to young people, and effective for promoting the minimization of substance-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Rebecca J. Haines-Saah
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada
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Lohan M, Aventin Á, Maguire L, Curran R, McDowell C, Agus A, Donaldson C, Clarke M, Linden M, Kelly C, McDaid L, Dunne L, O’Halloran P. Increasing boys’ and girls’ intentions to avoid teenage pregnancy: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of an interactive video drama-based intervention in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/phr05010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAdolescent men have a vital yet neglected role in reducing unintended teenage pregnancy (UTP). There is a need for gender-sensitive educational interventions.ObjectivesTo determine the value and feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial of theIf I Were JackRelationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) intervention in a convenience quota sample of post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. Secondary objectives were to assess acceptability to schools, pupils (male/female, aged 14–15 years) and parents/guardians; to identify optimal delivery structures and systems; to establish participation rates and reach, including equality of engagement of different socioeconomic and religious types; to assess trial recruitment and retention rates; to assess variation in normal RSE practice; to refine survey instruments; to assess differences in outcomes for male and female pupils; to identify potential effect sizes that might be detected in an effectiveness trial and estimate appropriate sample size for that trial; and to identify costs of delivery and pilot methods for assessing cost-effectiveness.DesignCluster randomised Phase II feasibility trial with an embedded process and economic evaluation.InterventionA teacher-delivered classroom-based RSE resource – an interactive video drama (IVD) with classroom materials, teacher training and an information session for parents – to immerse young people in a hypothetical scenario of Jack, a teenager whose girlfriend is unintentionally pregnant. It addresses gender inequalities in RSE by focusing on young men and is designed to increase intentions to avoid UTP by encouraging young people to delay sexual intercourse and to use contraception consistently in sexual relationships.Main outcome measuresAbstinence from sexual intercourse (delaying initiation of sex or returning to abstinence) or avoidance of unprotected sexual intercourse (consistent correct use of contraception). Secondary outcomes included Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills and Intentions.ResultsThe intervention proved acceptable to schools, pupils and parents, as evidenced through positive process evaluation. One minor refinement to the parental component was required, namely the replacement of the teacher-led face-to-face information session for parents by online videos designed to deliver the intervention to parents/guardians into their home. School recruitment was successful (target 25%, achieved 38%). No school dropped out. Pupil retention was successful (target 85%, achieved 93%). The between-group difference in incidence of unprotected sex of 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.55% to 2.2%) by 9 months demonstrated an effect size consistent with those reported to have had meaningful impact on UTP rates (resulting in an achievable sample size of 66 schools at Phase III). Survey instruments showed high acceptability and reliability of measures (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.5–0.7). Economic evaluation at Phase III is feasible because it was possible to (1) identify costs of deliveringIf I Were Jack(mean cost per pupil, including training of teachers, was calculated as £13.66); and (2) develop a framework for assessing cost-effectiveness.ConclusionTrial methods were appropriate, and recruitment and retention of schools and pupils was satisfactory, successfully demonstrating all criteria for progression to a main trial. The perceived value of culture- and gender-sensitive public health interventions has been highlighted.Future workProgression to a Phase III effectiveness trial.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN99459996.FundingThis project was funded by the NIHR Public Health Research programme and will be published in full inPublic Health Research; Vol. 5, No. 1. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lohan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Áine Aventin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lisa Maguire
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Rhonda Curran
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Ashley Agus
- Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit, Belfast, UK
| | - Cam Donaldson
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mark Linden
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Carmel Kelly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lisa McDaid
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office (MRC/CSO) Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura Dunne
- School of Education, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Peter O’Halloran
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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