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Debenham J, Birrell L, Newton NC, Devine EK, Champion KE, Stapinski LA, Kershaw S, Arunogiri S, Teesson M, Stockings E. Co-design of digital public health substance use resources: A collaboration between young people and experts. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 38797528 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Substance use and mental illness remain critical issues for young Australians, however, engagement with evidence-based health resources is challenging among this age group. This study aimed to develop engaging, useful digital health resources, underpinned by neuroscience principles, to build awareness of the harms of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and concurrent alcohol and antidepressant use. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was adopted to co-design two evidence-based videos resources. The resources were co-designed with the Matilda Centre's Youth Advisory Board Centre's Youth Advisory Board through a series focus groups and individual feedback reviews. Young people residing in New South Wales were then invited to complete a survey to evaluate the usefulness, relatability and impact on perceived harms associated with each substance pre- and post-viewing resources. RESULTS A total of 100 participants completed the survey (mean age = 21.5 years, SD = 2.77, 42% Female, 2% Non-binary). The animated videos were well received, with the large majority (91% and 87% respectively) of participants rating them 'excellent' or 'very good'. After viewing the videos, there was a significant increase in the perception of harm associated with e-cigarette use, monthly (t(99) = 2.76, p = .003), weekly (t(99) = 4.82, p < .001) and daily (t(99) = 4.92, p < .001), and consuming alcohol whilst taking antidepressants both weekly (t(100) = 2.93, p = .004) and daily (t(100) = 3.13, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS This study describes a successful co-design process demonstrating how meaningful involvement of young people, alongside traditional research methods, can produce substance use prevention resources that are useful, engaging and increase knowledge of harms among young people. SO WHAT?: To achieve meaningful public health impact researchers, experts and digital creators can work together to co-create substance use educational materials that are engaging, well-liked, while imparting important health knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Debenham
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Birrell
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola C Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma K Devine
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina E Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lexine A Stapinski
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Kershaw
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Stockings
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Lee YY, Slade T, Chatterton ML, Le LKD, Perez JK, Faller J, Chapman C, Newton NC, Sunderland M, Teesson M, Mihalopoulos C. Age at first drink and its influence on alcohol use behaviours in young adulthood: Evidence from an Australian household-based panel study. Prev Med 2024; 181:107898. [PMID: 38367869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health guidelines recommend delaying the initiation age for alcohol. However, the causal link between age-at-first-drink (AFD) and future alcohol use in young adulthood is uncertain. This study examined the association between AFD and alcohol-related outcomes at age 20 years using an Australian sample. METHODS Data were obtained from Waves 1-19 (years 2001-2019) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey on 20-year-olds with responses across ≥3 consecutive waves (n = 2278). The AFD for each respondent (between 15 and 20 years) was analysed relative to Australian legal drinking age (18 years). Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to evaluate associations between AFD and four outcomes at age 20 years: risk of current alcohol use; quantity of weekly alcohol consumption; risk of binge drinking; and frequency of binge drinking. Adjustments were made for confounders (e.g., heavy drinking by parents). Robustness of study findings was evaluated using several diagnostic tests/sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Among 20-year-olds, those with an AFD of 15-16 years consumed significantly more alcohol per week compared to an AFD of 18 years. Additionally, 20-year-old drinkers with an AFD of 16 years were significantly more likely to binge drink (though this association was likely confounded). An inverse dose-response relationship was observed between AFD and weekly alcohol consumption at 20 years, where a higher AFD led to lower alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Study findings indicate an association between a higher AFD and consuming less alcohol in young adulthood, which could potentially support the scale-up of prevention programs to delay AFD among Australian adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yi Lee
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Tim Slade
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary Lou Chatterton
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Long Khanh-Dao Le
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joahna K Perez
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan Faller
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cath Chapman
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola C Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Debenham J, Birrell L, Champion KE, Newton N. An on-line school-based substance use harm reduction programme: The Illicit Project randomized controlled trial results. Addiction 2024; 119:741-752. [PMID: 38105000 DOI: 10.1111/add.16403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of an on-line, neuroscience-based harm reduction intervention (The Illicit Project) on substance use, harms and knowledge over a 12-month period. DESIGN We used a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial. SETTING The study was conducted at eight secondary schools across New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 950 (mean age = 15.9; standard deviation = 0.68) in grades 10-12 at participating schools in 2020 took part. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR The Illicit Project intervention group (schools = five, n = 681) received an on-line, universal substance use and harm reduction programme over three classes. The active control group (schools = three, n = 269) received school-based health education as usual. MEASUREMENTS Self-report questionnaires assessed primary [alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine and prescription drug misuse] and secondary outcomes (alcohol-related harms and drug literacy) at baseline and the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessment. FINDINGS Approximately 63% (n = 595) of the sample completed the 12-month follow-up assessment, including 58% of the intervention group (n = 396/679) and 66% of the active control group (n = 179/271). Participants in the intervention group had slower annual increases in binge drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12-0.89], nicotine use (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.52-1.23), MDMA use (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02-1.00), cocaine use (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01-0.64) and prescription drug misuse (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.54) compared with the active control group. There was limited evidence of an intervention effect on cannabis use and alcohol-related harm (P > 0.5). The secondary outcomes showed that the intervention group maintained higher levels of drug literacy knowledge (β = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.86-5.56) and harm reduction help-seeking skills (β = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.62-2.48) compared with the active control group. CONCLUSION The Illicit Project (an on-line, neuroscience-based substance use harm reduction intervention) was effective in slowing the uptake of risky substance use and improving drug literacy skills among late secondary school students in Australia, compared with school-based health education as usual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Debenham
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Birrell
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina E Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Marsh NP, Oddo L, Murphy JG, Chronis-Tuscano A. Sleep, Alcohol and Cannabis Use in College Students With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1141-1149. [PMID: 38555872 PMCID: PMC11062626 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2320376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Background: Relations among attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep, and substance-related negative consequences are largely unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we examined associations among ADHD diagnosis, sleep, and alcohol-related consequences. We also evaluated the independent and interactive effects of sleep and ADHD on alcohol-related negative consequences, above and beyond levels of alcohol use. Methods: College students who drink alcohol with (n = 51) and without (n = 50) ADHD completed an assessment that included a diagnostic interview assessing ADHD, and questionnaire measures of sleep quality, substance use, and associated consequences. Analyses utilized a series of hierarchical linear regression models and explored these aims for cannabis use in a subset of participants (n = 52 participants that used cannabis). Results: College students who drink alcohol with ADHD reported significantly worse sleep quality and more alcohol-related consequences, relative to those without ADHD. When ADHD and sleep quality were included in the model, ADHD-but not sleep quality-was independently associated with alcohol consequences, but not cannabis consequences. There were no moderating effects of ADHD on the associations between sleep and substance-related consequences. Conclusions: Students who drank alcohol with ADHD may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing poor sleep and consequences from their substance use, compared to their heavy drinking peers without ADHD. Future, larger scale studies should consider longitudinal effects as well as underlying mechanisms of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Marsh
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, USA
| | - Lauren Oddo
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, USA
| | - James G. Murphy
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Debenham J, Champion K, Birrell L, Newton N. Effectiveness of a neuroscience-based, harm reduction program for older adolescents: A cluster randomised controlled trial of the Illicit Project. Prev Med Rep 2022; 26:101706. [PMID: 35111569 PMCID: PMC8789601 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of risky adolescent substance use is critical. Limited age-appropriate, school-based programs target adolescents aged 16-19 years, despite this representing the age of initiation and escalation of substance use. The Illicit Project is a neuroscience-based, harm reduction program targeting late adolescents, designed to address this gap. The current study aims to evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing risky substance use and related harms among late adolescents. A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted involving 950 students (Mage = 15.9 years SD = 0.68; 60% Female) from eight secondary schools in Australia. Five schools received The Illicit Project program, and three schools were randomised into the active control group (health education as usual). All students completed a self-report survey at baseline and 6-months post-baseline and intervention students completed a program evaluation survey. Outcomes include alcohol and substance use, alcohol related harms and drug literacy levels (knowledge and skills). At 6-months post baseline, individuals in the intervention group were less likely to engage in weekly binge drinking (OR = 0.56), high monthly alcohol consumption (OR = 0.56), early onset cannabis use (OR = 0.35), risky single occasion cannabis use (OR = 0.48), MDMA use (OR = 0.16) or nicotine product use (OR = 0.59) compared to the control group. Students in the intervention group were less likely to have experience alcohol related harms (OR = 0.57) and more likely to have higher drug literacy scores (β = 2.44) at follow-up. These preliminary results support the effectiveness of The Illicit Project. Further follow-up is required to determine the durability of the results over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Debenham
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use Level 6, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use Level 6, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Birrell
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use Level 6, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use Level 6, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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López-Méndez M, Ospina-Escobar A, Iskandar R, Alarid-Escudero F. Age-specific rates of onset of cannabis use in Mexico. Addict Behav 2021; 122:107038. [PMID: 34325204 PMCID: PMC8645182 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the previous two decades, the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use has risen among Mexico's population. AIMS Estimate the sex- and age-specific rates of onset of cannabis use over time. DESIGN Five nationally representative cross-sectional surveys, the Mexican National Surveys of Addictions (1998, 2002, 2008, 2012) and the Mexican National Survey on Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption (2016). SETTING Mexico. PARTICIPANTS Pooled sample of 141,342 respondents aged between 12 and 65 years of which 43.6%(n = 61,658) are male and 56.4% (n = 79,684) are female. MEASUREMENTS We estimated the age-specific rates of onset of cannabis as the conditional rate of consuming cannabis for the first time at a specific age. METHODS Time-to-event flexible-parametric models with spline specifications of the hazard function. Stratified analysis by sex and control for temporal trends by year of data collection or decennial birth cohort. FINDINGS Age-specific rates of onset of cannabis use per 1,000 individuals increased over time for females and males. Peak rates of onset of cannabis use per 1,000 ranged from 0.935 (95%CI = [0.772, 1.148]) in 1998, to 5.391 (95%CI = [4.924, 5.971]) in 2016 for females; and from 7.513 (95%CI = [6.732, 10.063]) in 1998, to 26.107 (95%CI = [25.918,30.654]) in 2016 for males. Across decennial birth-cohorts, peak rates of onset of cannabis use per 1,000 individuals for females ranged from 0.234 (95%CI = [0.078, 0.768]) for those born in the 1930s, to 14.611 (95%CI = [13.243, 16.102]) for those born in the 1990s; and for males, from 4.086 (95%CI = [4.022, 7.857]) for those born in the 1930s, to 38.693 (95%CI = [24.847, 48.670]) for those born in the 1990s. CONCLUSION Rates of onset of cannabis increased over the previous two decades for both females and males but remained higher for males. Across recent cohorts, the rates of onset have increased at a faster rate among females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angélica Ospina-Escobar
- Programa de Cátedras CONACyT, Mexico; Drug Policy Program, Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), Aguascalientes, Mexico; Division of Multidisciplinary Studies, Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Rowan Iskandar
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center of Excellence in Decision-Analytic Modeling and Health Economics Research, sitem-insel, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fernando Alarid-Escudero
- Drug Policy Program, Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), Aguascalientes, Mexico; Division of Public Administration, Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), Aguascalientes, Mexico.
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Debenham J, Newton N, Champion K, Lawler S, Lees B, Stapinski L, Teesson M, Birrell L. Neuroscience literacy and substance use prevention: How well do young people understand their brain? Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:395-402. [PMID: 34173994 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE Reducing substance use harm in young people is a major public health priority, however, health promotion messages often struggle to achieve meaningful engagement. Neuroscience-based teachings may provide an innovative new way to engage young people in credible harm minimisation health promotion. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and credibility of a series of neuroscience-based drug education animations and investigate neuroscience literacy in young people. METHODS Three animations were developed around the impact of alcohol, MDMA and cannabis use on the growing brain, labelled the 'Respect Your Brain' video series. Sixty young people (mean age 21.9 years; 48% female) viewed the animations and completed a 20-minute web-based, self-report survey to provide feedback on the animations and a 19-item neuroscience literacy survey, assessing knowledge and attitudes towards the brain. RESULTS The Alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA videos were rated as good or very good by the majority of participants (82%, 89% and 85%, respectively) and all participants wanted to see more 'Respect your Brain' videos. On average the Alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA videos were rated as containing the right level of detail and being interesting, relevant and engaging by the majority of participants (80%, 81% and 83%, respectively). Participants scored an average of 74% in the neuroscience literacy questionnaire, demonstrating some knowledge of brain functioning and positive attitudes towards the brain. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that age-appropriate, neuroscience-based resources on alcohol, Cannabis and MDMA are engaging and relevant to young people and offer a potential new avenue to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm and promote healthy lifestyle choices in young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Debenham
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrina Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Siobhan Lawler
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Briana Lees
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lexine Stapinski
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Birrell
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Kristjansson AL, Davis SM, Coffman J, Mills R. Icelandic Prevention Model for Rural Youth: A Feasibility Study in Central Appalachia. Health Promot Pract 2021; 23:397-406. [PMID: 33771042 DOI: 10.1177/15248399211002827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing the Icelandic model for Primary Substance Use Prevention (IPM) in rural Central Appalachia. Guided by the IPM's theoretical framework, 26 stakeholders from a single county in West Virginia were purposefully recruited during the spring of 2019 and divided into four focus groups. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed into themes based on IPM premises. Focus group material produced seven themes: Drug use overall, Drug treatment and other service needs, Poverty, Parenting/Caregiver practices, Transportation, Downtime/Leisure time activities, and Opportunities for solutions. General support was found for the potential of the IPM in the region. Preferably, the implementation of the model should coincide with attention to the adult population as drug use was reported to be plaguing the whole community. Treatment options were few and mostly far away. General poverty and lack of public transportation further stifled progress and potential for change. Organized leisure time activities and programs for youth were scarce and mostly seasonal. Suggested solutions for the adult community included workforce and skill training, coupled with increased opportunities for organized leisure activities for youth, and access to healthy role models via schools and faith-based organizations. We conclude that implementation of the IPM would be feasible to prevent substance use initiation and progression among youth in the rural Central Appalachia. We present several specific recommendations for policy and practice that address factors unique to this environment to initiate the IPM implementation development and suggest initial model application strategies.
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Debenham J, Birrell L, Champion K, Askovic M, Newton N. A pilot study of a neuroscience-based, harm minimisation programme in schools and youth centres in Australia. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e033337. [PMID: 32034023 PMCID: PMC7044936 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of a newly developed, neuroscience-based, alcohol and other drug (AOD) use prevention programme, 'The Illicit Project', in Australian older adolescents. The secondary aim is to investigate the impact of the programme on students' drug literacy levels (a combination of knowledge, attitudes and skills). DESIGN A pilot study examining the feasibility of The Illicit Project in Australian schools was conducted. PARTICIPANTS Students aged 15-19 years from two secondary schools and a youth centre and 11 teachers and health professionals from various organisations in Sydney were recruited. INTERVENTION The intervention consisted of three 90 min workshops delivered by trained facilitators within a month. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEASURES Students completed a drug literacy questionnaire before and after intervention. All participants (students, teachers and health professionals) completed an evaluation questionnaire postprogramme delivery. A paired-sample t-test and descriptive analytics were performed. RESULTS Students (n=169) demonstrated a significant increase in drug literacy levels from preintervention to postintervention (t(169) = -13.22, p<0.0001). Of students evaluating the programme (n=252), over threequarters agreed that The Illicit Project was good or very good (76%), that the neuroscience content was interesting (76%) and relevant (81%), and that they plan to apply the concepts learnt to their own lives (80%). In addition, all teachers and health professionals (n=11) agreed that the programme was feasible and valid for schools and perceived the programme to be effective in reducing the harms and use of AOD. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest that The Illicit Project is credible and feasible in the school environment and there are preliminary data to suggest it may help to improve drug literacy levels in young people. A large-scale evaluation trial of the intervention will be conducted to determine the programme's effectiveness in minimising the harms of AOD in older adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Debenham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Birrell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katrina Champion
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mina Askovic
- Business Faculty, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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