NCJ Number
210450
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 6 Dated: 2005 Pages: 845-855
Date Published
2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of using CD-ROM technology in delivering a substance-abuse-prevention intervention to sixth and seventh graders (12 to 13 year-olds).
Abstract
The CD-ROM program used interactive audio and video content to teach social resistance skills, general personal and social competence skills, and normative education on substance abuse. To test the effectiveness of this project, 230 students were recruited from 23 middle schools in New York State. A total of 117 students were randomized into the group that received the program, and 113 students were placed in a control group that would not receive the program until after the initial evaluation. Testing prior to the program showed no significant differences between the intervention and control youth on any substance-use measures, demographic variables, or other sample characteristics. The outcome variables measured were substance-use knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, as well as life skills and normative expectations for peer and adult substance use. Students were asked to use the CD-ROM at home and complete the program over a period of 6 weeks during the summer vacation months. Sixty-one intervention youth and 62 control youth completed the required forms. Findings showed significant intervention effects on pro-drug attitudes, peer and adult drug normative expectations for substance use, relaxation-skills knowledge, and anxiety-reduction skills. In order to ensure maximum participation, this report recommends that the CD-ROM program be attached to a school curriculum so that a teacher can monitor students' engagement. 3 tables and 8 references