Brief Image-Based Health Behavior Messages for Adolescents and Their Parents

• NCJ Number: 224202
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 19-40
• Author(s): Chudley E. Werch; Michele J. Moore; Carlo C. DiClemente
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 22 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA9283; DA018872; DA019172
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested the effectiveness of using brief image-based, print-mediated parent/caregiver and adolescent messages that integrate physical activity with the avoidance of alcohol use.

Abstract

The findings indicate that three parent postcards may have reduced the frequency of alcohol consumption and alcohol problems among adolescents over time. These findings were supported by data which showed that parent materials increased the frequency of adolescent self-control behaviors regarding alcohol use, as well as parent monitoring of their adolescent children’s activities. The program’s impact was particularly effective in achieving reductions in substance use among youth who were using marijuana and/or cigarettes prior to the intervention, suggesting the program might be particularly promising for high-risk, drug-using adolescents. Regarding the program component designed to increase physical activity among adolescents, however, there was limited success in increasing targeted youths’ exercise. The intervention involved sending postcards to parents/caregivers with information adopted from the Project Sport consultation (C.E. Werch et al., 2005). The postcards requested that the parent/caregiver take a few minutes to read and talk with their teen about each of four health and fitness messages, which were designed to promote healthy choices by youth. Messages targeted health-promoting behaviors, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep/rest, and messages related to using alcohol. One postcard was mailed each week, with an introductory letter from the project coordinator preceding card distribution. Three adolescent fitness flyers were mailed to participating adolescents, with one flyer sent per week, paralleling the distribution of the postcards to parents. A total of 684 high school students were randomly assigned to either the parent postcard or adolescent flyer, with baseline and 4-month post intervention data collections. The Youth Alcohol and Health Survey was used to collect data on alcohol and drug consumption, risk factors associated with alcohol use, and exercise habits. 2 tables and 59 references