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Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-10-2021
Abstract: here are no available school-based alcohol and drug prevention programs with evidence of effectiveness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. To address this, we codeveloped the i Strong & Deadly Futures /i well-being and alcohol and drug prevention program in partnership with an Indigenous creative design agency and 4 Australian schools. his paper presents the protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of i Strong & Deadly Futures /i in reducing alcohol and other drug use and improving well-being among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. he target s le will be 960 year 7 and 8 students from 24 secondary schools in Australia, of which approximately 40% (384/960) will identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The study design is a 2-group, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. Recruited schools will be block randomized (ratio 1:1), stratified by geographical remoteness, by an independent statistician. Schools will be randomized to receive i Strong & Deadly Futures /i , a web-based alcohol and drug prevention and social and emotional well-being program that delivers curriculum-aligned content over 6 lessons via an illustrated story, or i health education as usual /i (control). Control schools will be supported to implement i Strong & Deadly Futures /i following trial completion. Surveys will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months (primary end point) post baseline. Primary outcomes are alcohol use (adapted from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey), tobacco use (Standard High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey), and psychological distress (Kessler-5 Psychological Distress Scale). Secondary outcomes are alcohol and drug knowledge and intentions, alcohol-related harms, binge drinking, cannabis use, well-being, empowerment, appreciation of cultural ersity, and truancy. he trial was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in January 2019, approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney (2020/039, April 2020), the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (1620/19, February 2020), the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (998, October 2021), and the ethics committees of each participating school, including the New South Wales Department of Education (2020170, June 2020), Catholic Education Western Australia (RP2020/39, November 2020), and the Queensland Department of Education (550/27/2390, August 2021). Projected dates of data collection are 2022-2024, and we expect to publish the results in 2025. A total of 24 schools have been recruited as of submission of the manuscript. his will be the first cluster randomized controlled trial of a culturally inclusive, school-based alcohol and drug prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth therefore, it has significant potential to address alcohol and other drug harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001038987 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380038& isReview=true RR1-10.2196/34530
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-02-2021
Abstract: School-based programs can effectively prevent substance use however, systematic reviews and consultation with stakeholders identified a need for effective, culturally inclusive programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (hereafter Aboriginal) youth. This paper describes the development of Strong & Deadly Futures, a six-lesson, curriculum-aligned wellbeing and substance use prevention program that was designed for, and with, the Aboriginal youth. Formative reviews and consultation recommended that the program (i) combine effective components of mainstream prevention with cultural elements, highlighting Aboriginal cultural strengths (ii) avoid stigma and celebrates the cultural ersity by catering to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and (iii) use digital technology to enhance engagement, implementation and scalability. Guided by an Appreciative Inquiry approach, the program was developed in partnership with an Indigenous Creative Design Agency, and four schools in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. Aboriginal (n = 41) and non-Aboriginal students (n = 36) described their role models, positive aspects of their community and reasons to avoid substance use these formed the basis of an illustrated story which conveyed the key learning outcomes. Feedback from teachers, students and content experts supported the acceptability of the program, which will be evaluated in a subsequent randomised controlled trial.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-03-2018
Abstract: mid considerable community concern about the prevalence and harms associated with the use of crystal meth hetamine (“ice”), the increased use of smartphones to access health information and a growing number of available smartphone apps related to crystal meth hetamine, no previous reviews have examined the content and quality of these apps. his study aims to systematically review existing apps in the iTunes and Google Play Stores to determine the existence, composition, and quality of educational smartphone apps about meth hetamines, including ice. he iTunes and Google Play Stores were systematically searched in April 2017 for iOS Apple and Android apps, respectively. English-language apps that provided educational content or information about meth hetamine were eligible for inclusion. Eligible apps were downloaded and independently evaluated for quality by 2 reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). total of 2205 apps were initially identified, of which 18 were eligible and rated using the MARS. The mean MARS quality total score for all rated apps was 3.0 (SD 0.6), indicating poor to acceptable quality. Overall, mean scores were the highest for functionality (mean 4.0, SD 0.5) and lowest for engagement (mean 2.3, SD 0.7). his study demonstrates a shortage of high-quality educational and engaging smartphone apps specifically related to meth hetamine. The findings from this review highlight a need for further development of engaging and evidence-based apps that provide educational information about crystal meth hetamine.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-08-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.52075
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-01-2019
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.2196/42272
Abstract: Parents play an influential role in the health behaviors of their children, such as physical activity, dietary intake, sleep, screen time, and substance use. However, further research is needed to inform the development of more effective and engaging parent-based interventions targeting adolescent risk behaviors. This study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge about adolescent risk behaviors, barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy behaviors, and preferences for a parent-based prevention intervention. An anonymous web-based survey was conducted from June 2022 to August 2022. Eligible participants were parents of children aged 11 to 18 years and were residing in Australia at the time of this study. The survey assessed the parents’ perceived and actual knowledge about Australian health guidelines for youth, parent and adolescent engagement in health behaviors, parenting style and attitudes, barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy behaviors, and delivery and component preferences for a parent-based preventive intervention. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were conducted to analyze the data. A total of 179 eligible participants completed the survey. The mean age of the parents was 42.22 (SD 7.03) years, and 63.1% (101/160) were female. Parent-reported sleep duration was high for both parents (mean 8.31, SD 1.00 hours) and adolescents (mean 9.18, SD 0.94 hours). However, the proportion of parents who reported that their child met the national recommendations for physical activity (5/149, 3.4%), vegetable intake (7/126, 5.6%), and weekend recreational screen time (7/130, 5.4%) was very low. Overall, parents’ perceived knowledge of health guidelines was moderate, ranging from 50.6% (80/158) for screen time to 72.8% (115/158) for sleep guidelines (for children aged 5-13 years). Actual knowledge was lowest for vegetable intake and physical activity, with only 44.2% (46/104) and 42% (31/74) of parents reporting correct guidelines for these behaviors, respectively. The key issues of concern reported by parents were excessive use of technology, mental health, e-cigarette use, and negative peer relationships. The top-rated delivery method for a parent-based intervention was via a website (53/129, 41.1%). The highest rated intervention component was opportunities for goal-setting (89/126, 70.7% rated very or extremely important), and other important program features were ease of use (89/122, 72.9%), paced learning (79/126, 62.7%), and appropriate program length (74/126, 58.8%). The findings suggest that such interventions should be brief and web based and should aim to increase parental knowledge of health guidelines provide opportunities for skill-building, such as goal-setting and include effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and social support. This study will inform the development of future parent-based preventive interventions to prevent multiple lifestyle risk behaviors among adolescents.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-04-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-15609-8
Abstract: Effective and scalable prevention approaches are urgently needed to address the rapidly increasing rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents. School-based eHealth interventions can be an efficient, effective, and economical approach, yet there are none targeting e-cigarettes within Australia. This paper describes the protocol of the OurFutures Vaping Trial which aims to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the first school-based eHealth intervention targeting e-cigarettes in Australia. A two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted among Year 7 and 8 students (aged 12–14 years) in 42 secondary schools across New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, Australia. Using stratified block randomisation, schools will be assigned to either the OurFutures Vaping Program intervention group or an active control group (health education as usual). The intervention consists of four web-based cartoon lessons and accompanying activities delivered during health education over a four-week period. Whilst primarily focused on e-cigarette use, the program simultaneously addresses tobacco cigarette use. Students will complete online self-report surveys at baseline, post-intervention, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-months after baseline. The primary outcome is the uptake of e-cigarette use at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the uptake of tobacco smoking, frequency/quantity of e-cigarettes use and tobacco smoking, intentions to use e-cigarettes/tobacco cigarettes, knowledge about e-cigarettes/tobacco cigarettes, motives and attitudes relating to e-cigarettes, self-efficacy to resist peer pressure and refuse e-cigarettes, mental health, quality of life, and resource utilisation. Generalized mixed effects regression will investigate whether receiving the intervention reduces the likelihood of primary and secondary outcomes. Cost-effectiveness and the effect on primary and secondary outcomes will also be examined over the longer-term. If effective, the intervention will be readily accessible to schools via the OurFutures platform and has the potential to make substantial health and economic impact. Without such intervention, young Australians will be the first generation to use nicotine at higher rates than previous generations, thereby undoing decades of effective tobacco control. The trial has been prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000022662 date registered: 10/01/2023).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-07-2022
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.516
Abstract: 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. 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. 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. 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.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-09-2020
Abstract: This study examined the secondary mental health outcomes of two contrasting alcohol prevention approaches, whereby one intervention targets common underlying personality risk for alcohol use and mental health problems ( Preventure) and the other targets alcohol- and drug-related behaviours and cognitions ( Climate Schools). A 2 × 2 cluster randomised controlled factorial design trial was conducted in 26 Australian schools randomised to the following 4 conditions: Climate Schools ( n = 6), Preventure ( n = 7), combined Climate Schools and Preventure (CAP n = 6) or treatment as usual (TAU n = 7). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post-baseline including the Brief Symptom Inventory anxiety and depression scales and hyperactivity and conduct scales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analyses focused on students who were at high-risk based on personality traits ( n = 947 M age = 13.3). The effectiveness of each approach in reducing symptoms of internalising and externalising problems was assessed using multi-level mixed effects analysis. Main effects for each intervention relative to not receiving that intervention revealed significant main effects of Preventure in reducing anxiety symptoms ( d = −0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.53, −0.01], p 0.05) and a marginal effect in reducing depressive symptoms ( d = −0.24, 95% CI = [−0.49, 0.01], p = 0.06) over 3 years. Interaction effects revealed that when delivered alone, Preventure significantly reduced conduct problems ( d = −0.45, 95% CI = [−0.78, −0.11], p 0.05) and hyperactivity symptoms ( d = −0.38, 95% CI = [−0.70,−0.07], p 0.05) compared to TAU. This study is the first to report the effectiveness of personality-targeted alcohol prevention in reducing internalising and externalising symptoms relative to an active control, providing evidence in favour of its specificity in preventing concurrent substance use and mental health problems among high-risk youth.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-03-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S10865-015-9630-9
Abstract: The effect of disease-specific cognitions on interest in clinic-based and direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing was assessed. Participants (N = 309) responded to an online hypothetical scenario and received genetic testing-related messages that varied by risk probability (25, 50, 75 %) and disease type (Alzheimer's disease vs. Type 2 Diabetes). Post-manipulation interest increased for both testing types, but was greater for clinic-based testing. Interest was greater for Type 2 Diabetes than for Alzheimer's disease, the latter perceived as more severe and likely, and less treatable and preventable. For DTC testing only, participants allocated to the high risk condition (75 %) had greater testing interest than those in the low (25 %) category. DTC testing is perceived as a viable, but less preferred, option compared with clinic-based testing. Particularly when considering DTC genetic testing, there is a need to emphasize subjective disease-related perceptions, including risk probability.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-02-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291717000198
Abstract: No existing models of alcohol prevention concurrently adopt universal and selective approaches. This study aims to evaluate the first combined universal and selective approach to alcohol prevention. A total of 26 Australian schools with 2190 students (mean age: 13.3 years) were randomized to receive: universal prevention ( Climate Schools ) selective prevention ( Preventure ) combined prevention ( Climate Schools and Preventure CAP ) or health education as usual (control). Primary outcomes were alcohol use, binge drinking and alcohol-related harms at 6, 12 and 24 months. Climate , Preventure and CAP students demonstrated significantly lower growth in their likelihood to drink and binge drink, relative to controls over 24 months. Preventure students displayed significantly lower growth in their likelihood to experience alcohol harms, relative to controls. While adolescents in both the CAP and Climate groups demonstrated slower growth in drinking compared with adolescents in the control group over the 2-year study period, CAP adolescents demonstrated faster growth in drinking compared with Climate adolescents. Findings support universal, selective and combined approaches to alcohol prevention. Particularly novel are the findings of no advantage of the combined approach over universal or selective prevention alone.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12497
Abstract: Alcohol and other drug use among adolescents is a serious concern, and effective prevention is critical. Research indicates that expanding school-based prevention programs to include parenting components could increase prevention outcomes. This paper aims to identify and describe existing combined student- and parent-based programs for the prevention of alcohol and other drug use to evaluate the efficacy of existing programs. The PsycINFO, Medline, Central Register of Controlled trials and Cochrane databases were searched in April 2015 and additional articles were obtained from reference lists. Studies were included if they evaluated a combined universal intervention for students (aged 11-18 years old) and their parents designed to prevent alcohol and/or other drug use, and were delivered in a school-based setting. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers. Because of the heterogeneity of the included studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis and a qualitative description of the studies was provided. From a total of 1654 screened papers, 22 research papers met inclusion criteria, which included 13 trials of 10 programs. Of these, nine programs demonstrated significant intervention effects in terms of delaying or reducing adolescent alcohol and/or other drug use in at least one trial. This is the first review of combined student- and parent-based interventions to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use. Whilst existing combined student- and parent-based programs have shown promising results, key gaps in the literature have been identified and are discussed in the context of the development of future prevention programs. [Newton NC, Ch ion KE, Slade T, Chapman C, Stapinski L, Koning I, Tonks Z, Teesson M. A systematic review of combined student- and parent-based programs to prevent alcohol and other drug use among adolescents. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017 :337-351].
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2022.107247
Abstract: Lifestyle risk behaviors often co-occur and are prevalent among adolescents. Parent-based interventions addressing risk behaviors concurrently have the potential to improve youth and parent outcomes. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of parent-based interventions targeting multiple lifestyle risk behaviors among adolescents and parents. MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo (Ovid), Scopus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from 2010-May 2021. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of parent-based interventions addressing 2+ risk behaviors: alcohol use, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviors, and poor sleep. Studies directly targeting parents, and that assessed adolescent outcomes (11-18 years) were eligible. Where possible, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. From 11,975 identified records, 46 publications of 36 RCTs (n = 28,322 youth, n = 7385 parents) were eligible. Parent-based interventions were associated with improved adolescent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.18, 2.81 p = 0.007], and reduced screen time (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI = -0.62, -0.16, p = 0.0009) and discretionary food intake (SMD = -0.18 95% CI = -0.30, -0.06 p = 0.002) compared to controls. However, there was some evidence that interventions increased the odds of ever using tobacco in the medium-term (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.99, 2.18, p = 0.06) and of past month tobacco use in the long-term (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.90 p = 0.005). Overall, the quality of evidence was moderate. Parent-based interventions targeting multiple risk behaviors improved adolescent MVPA, and reduced screen time discretionary food intake. Further research is needed to address sleep problems and increase intervention efficacy, particularly for alcohol and tobacco use.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-10-2022
Abstract: arents play an influential role in the health behaviors of their children, such as physical activity, dietary intake, sleep, screen time, and substance use. However, further research is needed to inform the development of more effective and engaging parent-based interventions targeting adolescent risk behaviors. his study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge about adolescent risk behaviors, barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy behaviors, and preferences for a parent-based prevention intervention. n anonymous web-based survey was conducted from June 2022 to August 2022. Eligible participants were parents of children aged 11 to 18 years and were residing in Australia at the time of this study. The survey assessed the parents’ perceived and actual knowledge about Australian health guidelines for youth, parent and adolescent engagement in health behaviors, parenting style and attitudes, barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy behaviors, and delivery and component preferences for a parent-based preventive intervention. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were conducted to analyze the data. total of 179 eligible participants completed the survey. The mean age of the parents was 42.22 (SD 7.03) years, and 63.1% (101/160) were female. Parent-reported sleep duration was high for both parents (mean 8.31, SD 1.00 hours) and adolescents (mean 9.18, SD 0.94 hours). However, the proportion of parents who reported that their child met the national recommendations for physical activity (5/149, 3.4%), vegetable intake (7/126, 5.6%), and weekend recreational screen time (7/130, 5.4%) was very low. Overall, parents’ perceived knowledge of health guidelines was moderate, ranging from 50.6% (80/158) for screen time to 72.8% (115/158) for sleep guidelines (for children aged 5-13 years). Actual knowledge was lowest for vegetable intake and physical activity, with only 44.2% (46/104) and 42% (31/74) of parents reporting correct guidelines for these behaviors, respectively. The key issues of concern reported by parents were excessive use of technology, mental health, e-cigarette use, and negative peer relationships. The top-rated delivery method for a parent-based intervention was via a website (53/129, 41.1%). The highest rated intervention component was opportunities for goal-setting (89/126, 70.7% rated very or extremely important), and other important program features were ease of use (89/122, 72.9%), paced learning (79/126, 62.7%), and appropriate program length (74/126, 58.8%). he findings suggest that such interventions should be brief and web based and should aim to increase parental knowledge of health guidelines provide opportunities for skill-building, such as goal-setting and include effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and social support. This study will inform the development of future parent-based preventive interventions to prevent multiple lifestyle risk behaviors among adolescents. >
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-05-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51536
Abstract: To assess the efficacy of a selective, personality-targeted intervention for reducing suicidal ideation in adolescents. Post hoc analysis of survey data collected in the Climate and Preventure (CAP) study, a cluster randomised controlled trial that compared strategies for reducing alcohol misuse by adolescents, 2012-2015. Year 8 students at 16 New South Wales non-government schools and one Victorian non-government school. Preventure, a selective, personality-targeted intervention designed to help adolescents with personality risk factors for alcohol misuse, comprising two 90-minute sessions, one week apart. For our post hoc analysis, we combined data from the two CAP trial groups in which Preventure was offered (the Preventure and the Preventure/Climate Schools [a non-selective prevention strategy] groups) as the intervention group and data from the two groups in which Preventure was not offered (usual health education only [control] and Climate Schools groups) as the control group. Difference between post hoc control and intervention groups in the change in proportions of students reporting suicidal ideation during the preceding six months (single item of Brief Symptom Inventory depression subscale) over three years. A total of 1636 students (mean age at baseline, 13.3 years standard deviation, 0.5 years) were included in our analysis, of whom 1087 (66%) completed the suicidal ideation item in the three-year follow-up assessment. The post hoc control group included 755 students (nine schools), the intervention group 881 students (eight schools). After adjusting for nesting of students in schools and sex, reporting of suicidal ideation by students who had received Preventure had declined over three years, compared with the control group (per year: adjusted odds ratio, 0.80 95% CI, 0.66-0.97). Personality-targeted selective prevention during early secondary school can have a lasting impact on suicidal ideation during adolescence. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12612000026820 (prospective).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-03-2016
Abstract: Replication is an important step in evaluating evidence-based preventive interventions and is crucial for establishing the generalizability and wider impact of a program. Despite this, few replications have occurred in the prevention science field. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a cross-validation trial of the Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis course, an Internet-based prevention program, among a new cohort of Australian students. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 1103 students ( M age : 13.25 years) from 13 schools in Australia in 2012. Six schools received the Climate Schools course and 7 schools were randomized to a control group (health education as usual). All students completed a self-report survey at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Mixed-effects regressions were conducted for all outcome variables. Outcomes assessed included alcohol and cannabis use, knowledge and intentions to use these substances. Compared to the control group, immediately post-intervention the intervention group reported significantly greater alcohol ( d = 0.67) and cannabis knowledge ( d = 0.72), were less likely to have consumed any alcohol (even a sip or taste) in the past 6 months (odds ratio = 0.69) and were less likely to intend on using alcohol in the future (odds ratio = 0.62). However, there were no effects for binge drinking, cannabis use or intentions to use cannabis. These preliminary results provide some support for the Internet-based Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis course as a feasible way of delivering alcohol and cannabis prevention. Intervention effects for alcohol and cannabis knowledge were consistent with results from the original trial however, analyses of longer-term follow-up data are needed to provide a clearer indication of the efficacy of the intervention, particularly in relation to behavioral changes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-14183-9
Abstract: Adolescence presents a window of opportunity to establish good nutrition and physical activity behaviours to carry throughout the life course. Adolescents are at risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases due to poor the complex interplay of physical and mental health lifestyle risk factors. Text messaging is adolescents main form of everyday communication and text message programs offer a potential solution for support and improvement of lifestyle health behaviours. The primary aim of this study is to determine effectiveness of the Health4Me text message program to improve adolescent’s physical activity or nutrition behaviours among adolescents over 6-months, compared to usual care. Health4Me is a virtual, two-arm, single-blind randomised controlled trial, delivering a 6-month healthy lifestyle text message program with optional health counselling. Recruitment will be through digital advertising and primary care services. In total, 330 adolescents will be randomised 1:1 to intervention or control (usual care) groups. The intervention group will receive 4–5 text messages per week for 6-months. All text messages have been co-designed with adolescents. Messages promote a healthy lifestyle by providing practical information, health tips, motivation and support for behaviour change for physical activity, nutrition, mental health, body image, popular digital media and climate and planetary health. Virtual assessments will occur at baseline and 6-months assessing physical health (physical activity, nutrition, body mass index, sleep), mental health (quality of life, self-efficacy, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, eating disorder risk) and lifestyle outcomes (food insecurity and eHealth literacy). This study will determine the effectiveness of a 6-month healthy lifestyle text message intervention to improve physical activity and nutrition outcomes in adolescents. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12622000949785 , Date registered: 05/07/2022.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15178
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-035662
Abstract: Lifestyle risk behaviours, including alcohol use, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, poor sleep (duration and/or quality) and sedentary recreational screen time (‘the Big 6’), are strong determinants of chronic disease. These behaviours often emerge during adolescence and co-occur. School-based interventions have the potential to address risk factors prior to the onset of disease, yet few eHealth school-based interventions target multiple behaviours concurrently. This paper describes the protocol of the Health4Life Initiative , an eHealth school-based intervention that concurrently addresses the Big 6 risk behaviours among secondary school students. A multisite cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted among year 7 students (11–13 years old) from 72 Australian schools. Stratified block randomisation will be used to assign schools to either the Health4Life intervention or an active control (health education as usual). Health4Life consists of (1) six web-based cartoon modules and accompanying activities delivered during health education (once per week for 6 weeks), and a smartphone application (universal prevention), and (2) additional app content, for students engaging in two or more risk behaviours when they are in years 8 and 9 (selective prevention). Students will complete online self-report questionnaires at baseline, post intervention, and 12, 24 and 36 months after baseline. Primary outcomes are consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sleep duration, sedentary recreational screen time and uptake of alcohol and tobacco use. This study has been approved by the University of Sydney (2018/882), NSW Department of Education (SERAP no. 2019006), University of Queensland (2019000037), Curtin University (HRE2019-0083) and relevant Catholic school committees. Results will be presented to schools and findings disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. This will be the first evaluation of an eHealth intervention, spanning both universal and selective prevention, to simultaneously target six key lifestyle risk factors among adolescents. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000431123), 18 March 2019.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-065509
Abstract: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has drastically increased in recent years, particularly among adolescents. This poses several acute and chronic harms to young people, including poisonings, burns, serious lung injury and—where nicotine e-liquid is used—the potential to impact healthy brain development and precipitate future nicotine addiction. School-based prevention programmes have the potential to address this growing public health concern by reaching large numbers of young people during a critical period for intervention however, the efficacy of such interventions has not been systematically explored. This systematic review aims to determine the existence and efficacy of school-based preventive interventions targeting e-cigarette use. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and international clinical trials registries will be conducted from 2000 to April 2022 to identify eligible studies (randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised controlled trials and quasiexperimental studies) evaluating school-based interventions to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents. Two reviewers will independently screen title, abstract and full text of all studies for eligibility. Both reviewers will independently extract the data and assess the risk of bias. Any discrepancies will be resolved by a third reviewer. Results will be summarised in a narrative synthesis and data will be meta-analysed if appropriate. Heterogeneity in findings will be assessed narratively, and using the I 2 statistic (where meta-analysis is feasible), meta-regression will be used to explore potential factors associated with programme efficacy, where data permit. This research is conducted on published work and does not require ethics approval. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and used to guide the development of new school-based e-cigarette preventive interventions. CRD42022323352.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S40894-023-00210-2
Abstract: Disadvantaged adolescents such as those of low socioeconomic and geographically remote backgrounds experience disproportionate chronic disease burden and tend to engage in greater risk behaviors including poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping. The social, structural, and economical barriers to health that uniquely affect adolescents of low socioeconomic and geographically remote backgrounds, such as stigma, access to and affordability of services, may partially explain their disadvantage in attaining health equity. Universal eHealth interventions can provide effective prevention, however, it is unclear whether they benefit disadvantaged adolescents, including those from low socioeconomic and geographically remote contexts. This study systematically reviewed the effectiveness of eHealth interventions targeting disadvantaged adolescents in preventing poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking and vaping. Of 3278 identified records, 15 publications assessing 14 interventions were included, comprising 7170 youth (aged 9–18 years, 50.1% female, 56% low-mid SES, 33% remote). Nine interventions targeted poor diet, three targeted alcohol, one targeted tobacco, and one targeted alcohol and tobacco. No interventions targeted vaping. eHealth interventions significantly increased fruit and vegetable intake and percentage energy of nutrient-rich food, decreased sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, total energy intake, nutrient-poor food percentage energy consumption, and were associated with reduced binge drinking at 1-month follow-up among intervention completers. The findings of this study highlight that eHealth interventions can be effective in targeting poor diet and alcohol use among disadvantaged adolescents. However, due to the limited number of studies meeting inclusion criteria for this study, it is critical future research focus on developing and evaluating effective eHealth interventions targeting disadvantaged adolescents.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 23-04-2018
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-11-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2022.1043490
Abstract: Gaming activities among adolescents have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a growing concern for the potential harms of excessive gaming and its risk factors. Anxiety is frequently linked with gaming disorder, but studies investigating this association were mostly cross-sectional in design. Longitudinal studies that explore risk factors associated with gaming disorder are sparse and the trajectories of gaming disorder remain unclear. To address this paucity, the present study analyzed a large longitudinal dataset with a 12-month follow-up of 4,968 Australian adolescents (ages 13–14) during the pandemic. Logistic regression and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the temporal relationships between anxiety, gaming frequency, the amount of money spent within video games, and gaming disorder. Prevalence rates for gaming disorder in adolescents aged 13 and 14 were 15 and 16%, respectively. The regression models indicated a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and gaming disorder symptoms, where higher levels of anxiety were associated with higher levels of gaming disorder 12 months later and vice versa. The study also found that the interaction between anxiety and higher gaming frequency could predict gaming disorder symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that young adolescents may be more vulnerable to developing gaming disorder and highlight the importance of addressing the interactions between risk factors and gaming disorder in treatment approaches.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-07-2020
DOI: 10.2196/19485
Abstract: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Addressing key lifestyle risk factors during adolescence is critical for improving physical and mental health outcomes and reducing chronic disease risk. Schools are ideal intervention settings, and electronic health (eHealth) interventions afford several advantages, including increased student engagement, scalability, and sustainability. Although lifestyle risk behaviors tend to co-occur, few school-based eHealth interventions have targeted multiple behaviors concurrently. This study aims to summarize the co-design and user testing of the Health4Life school-based program, a web-based cartoon intervention developed to concurrently prevent 6 key lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease among secondary school students: alcohol use, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, sedentary recreational screen time, and poor sleep (the Big 6). The development of the Health4Life program was conducted over 18 months in collaboration with students, teachers, and researchers with expertise relevant to the Big 6. The iterative process involved (1) scoping of evidence and systematic literature review (2) consultation with adolescents (N=815) via a cross-sectional web-based survey to identify knowledge gaps, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators in relation to the Big 6 (3) content and web development and (4) user testing of the web-based program with students (n=41) and teachers (n=8) to evaluate its acceptability, relevance, and appeal to the target audience. The co-design process resulted in a six-module, evidence-informed program that uses interactive cartoon storylines and web-based delivery to engage students. Student and teacher feedback collected during user testing was positive in terms of acceptability and relevance. Commonly identified areas for improvement concerned the length of modules, age appropriateness of language and alcohol storyline, the need for character backstories and links to syllabus information, and feasibility of implementation. Modifications were made to address these issues. The Health4Life school-based program is the first universal, web-based program to concurrently address 6 important chronic disease risk factors among secondary school students. By adopting a multiple health behavior change approach, it has the potential to efficiently modify the Big 6 risk factors within one program and to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain good physical and mental health throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-09-2017
Abstract: ndigenous adolescents are at a higher risk of experiencing harms related to substance use compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts as a consequence of earlier onset and higher rates of substance use. Early onset of substance use has been identified as a risk factor for future substance use problems and other health, social, and family outcomes. Therefore, prevention of substance use among adolescents has been identified as a key area to improve health of Indigenous Peoples. Evidence exists for the effectiveness of prevention approaches for adolescents in mainstream populations and, most recently, for the use of computer- and Internet-delivered interventions to overcome barriers to implementation. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of these approaches for Indigenous adolescents. he purpose of this review is to synthesize the international evidence regarding the effectiveness of substance use prevention programs for Indigenous adolescents in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. total of 8 peer-reviewed databases and 20 gray literature databases will be searched, using search terms in line with the aims of this review and based on previous relevant reviews of substance use prevention. Studies will be included if they evaluate a substance use prevention program with Indigenous adolescents (aged 10 to 19 years) as the primary participant group and are published between January 1, 1990 and August 31, 2017. narrative synthesis will be provided about the effectiveness of the programs, the type of program (whether culture-based, adapted, or unadapted), delivery of the program (computer- and Internet-delivered or traditional), and the setting in which the programs are delivered (community, school, family, clinical, or a combination). he study will identify core elements of effective substance use prevention programs among Indigenous adolescents and appraise the methodological quality of the studies. This review will provide researchers, policy makers, and program developers with evidence about the potential use of prevention approaches for Indigenous adolescents.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-08-2018
DOI: 10.2196/10849
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-02-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00048674221080406
Abstract: Physical inactivity, sugar sweetened beverage consumption, alcohol use, smoking, poor sleep and excessive recreational screen time (the ‘Big 6’ lifestyle risk behaviours) often co-occur and are key risk factors for psychopathology. However, the best fitting latent structure of the Big 6 is unknown and links between multiple lifestyle risk behaviours and hierarchical dimensions of psychopathology have not been explored among adolescents. This study aimed to address these gaps in the literature. Confirmatory factor analysis, latent class analysis and factor mixture models were conducted among 6640 students ( M age = 12.7 years) to identify the latent structure of the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviours. Structural equation models were then used to examine associations with psychopathology. A mixture model with three classes, capturing mean differences in a single latent factor indexing overall risk behaviours, emerged as the best fitting model. This included relatively low-risk (Class 1: 30%), moderate-risk (Class 2: 67%) and high-risk (Class 3: 3%) classes. Students high on externalizing demonstrated significantly greater odds of membership to the high-risk class (odds ratio = 8.75, 99% confidence interval = [3.30, 23.26]) and moderate-risk class (odds ratio = 2.93, 99% confidence interval = [1.43, 5.97]) in comparison to the low-risk class. Similarly, students high on internalizing demonstrated significantly higher odds of membership to the high-risk class (odds ratio = 1.89, 99% confidence interval = [1.06, 3.37]) and the moderate-risk class (odds ratio = 1.66, 99% confidence interval = [1.03, 2.67]) in comparison to the low-risk class. Associations between lower order factors of psychopathology and lifestyle risk behaviours were mostly accounted for by the more parsimonious higher order factors. Classes representing differences in probabilities of the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviours relate to varying levels of hierarchical dimensions of psychopathology, suggesting multiple health behaviour change and transdiagnostic intervention approaches may be valuable for reducing risk of psychopathology.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 20-11-2017
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore how different trajectories of emotional symptoms relate to alcohol use in adolescence. In all, 431 participants (majority female), aged approximately 13 years at baseline were followed over three years and reported on their emotional symptoms and alcohol use. Latent class growth analyses explored different trajectories of emotional symptoms and regression models were run to relate these trajectories to alcohol use (full standard drink, and binge drinking) at 36-month follow-up (age 16 years). While the majority of adolescents were best characterised by low-stable emotional symptoms, those with high-stable symptoms were more likely to be have consumed a full standard drink of alcohol and binge drunk when aged 16 years. Findings highlight the importance of prevention and early intervention, particularly targeting adolescents with elevated stable emotional symptoms who were more likely to be using alcohol at 16 years of age. The present study is one of the first longitudinal investigations into the use of alcohol by community adolescents with different emotional symptom trajectories.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-05-2012
DOI: 10.2196/35408
Abstract: Chronic disease burden is higher among disadvantaged populations. Preventing lifestyle risk behaviors such as poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping in adolescence is critical for reducing the risk of chronic disease and related harms in adolescence and adulthood. Although eHealth interventions are a promising prevention approach among the general population, it is unclear whether they adequately serve adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds such as those living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas. This is the first systematic review to identify, evaluate, and synthesize evidence for the effectiveness of eHealth interventions targeting adolescents living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas in preventing poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping. A systematic search will be conducted in 7 electronic databases: the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PROSPERO, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and PsycInfo (Ovid). The search will be limited to eHealth-based experimental studies (ie, randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies) targeting diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents (aged 10-19 years). Eligible studies will be those reporting on at least one marker of socioeconomic status (eg, social class, household income, parental occupation status, parental education, and family affluence) or geographical remoteness (eg, living in rural, regional, and remote areas, or living outside major metropolitan centers). One reviewer will screen all studies for eligibility, of which 25% will be double-screened. Data will be extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Revised Risk of Bias Tool. As of December 2021, the title and abstract screening of 3216 articles was completed, and the full-text review was underway. The systematic review is expected to be completed in 2022. This systematic review will provide an in-depth understanding of effective eHealth interventions targeting poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas and the factors that contribute to their effectiveness. This in turn will provide critical knowledge to improve future interventions delivered to these populations. PROSPERO CRD42021294119 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=294119 PRR1-10.2196/35408
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-04-2020
Abstract: hronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Addressing key lifestyle risk factors during adolescence is critical for improving physical and mental health outcomes and reducing chronic disease risk. Schools are ideal intervention settings, and electronic health (eHealth) interventions afford several advantages, including increased student engagement, scalability, and sustainability. Although lifestyle risk behaviors tend to co-occur, few school-based eHealth interventions have targeted multiple behaviors concurrently. his study aims to summarize the co-design and user testing of the Health4Life school-based program, a web-based cartoon intervention developed to concurrently prevent 6 key lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease among secondary school students: alcohol use, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, sedentary recreational screen time, and poor sleep (the i Big 6 /i ). he development of the Health4Life program was conducted over 18 months in collaboration with students, teachers, and researchers with expertise relevant to the Big 6. The iterative process involved (1) scoping of evidence and systematic literature review (2) consultation with adolescents (N=815) via a cross-sectional web-based survey to identify knowledge gaps, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators in relation to the Big 6 (3) content and web development and (4) user testing of the web-based program with students (n=41) and teachers (n=8) to evaluate its acceptability, relevance, and appeal to the target audience. he co-design process resulted in a six-module, evidence-informed program that uses interactive cartoon storylines and web-based delivery to engage students. Student and teacher feedback collected during user testing was positive in terms of acceptability and relevance. Commonly identified areas for improvement concerned the length of modules, age appropriateness of language and alcohol storyline, the need for character backstories and links to syllabus information, and feasibility of implementation. Modifications were made to address these issues. he Health4Life school-based program is the first universal, web-based program to concurrently address 6 important chronic disease risk factors among secondary school students. By adopting a multiple health behavior change approach, it has the potential to efficiently modify the Big 6 risk factors within one program and to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain good physical and mental health throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-11-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51333
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13345
Abstract: To evaluate the effectiveness of an online school-based prevention program for ecstasy (MDMA) and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Cluster randomized controlled trial with two groups (intervention and control). Eleven secondary schools in Australia. A total of 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years). The internet-based Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module uses cartoon storylines to convey information about harmful drug use. It was delivered once weekly, during a 4-week period, during health education classes. Control schools received health education as usual. Primary outcomes were self-reported intentions to use ecstasy and NPS at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were ecstasy and NPS knowledge and life-time use of ecstasy and NPS. Surveys were administered at baseline, post-intervention and 6 and 12 month post-baseline. At 12 months, the proportion of students likely to use NPS was significantly greater in the control group (1.8%) than the intervention group [0.5% odds ratio (OR) = 10.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-78.91]. However, students' intentions to use ecstasy did not differ significantly between groups (control = 2.1%, intervention = 1.6% OR = 5.91, 95% CI = 1.01-34.73). There was a significant group difference in the change from baseline to post-test for NPS knowledge (β = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.21, Cohen's d = 0.77), with controls [mean = 2.78, standard deviation (SD = 1.48] scoring lower than intervention students (mean = 3.85, SD = 1.49). There was also evidence of a significant group difference in ecstasy knowledge at post-test (control: mean = 9.57, SD = 3.31 intervention: mean = 11.57, SD = 3.61 β = -0.54, 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.12, P = 0.01, d = 0.73). The Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module, a universal online school-based prevention program, appeared to reduce students' intentions to use new psychoactive substances and increased knowledge about ecstasy and new psychoactive substances in the short term.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-11-2018
DOI: 10.2196/10442
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13643-020-01375-W
Abstract: Six core behavioural risk factors (poor diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, alcohol misuse, smoking and unhealthy sleep patterns) have been identified as strong determinants of chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers. Smartphones have the potential to provide a real-time, pervasive, unobtrusive and cost-effective way to measure health behaviours and deliver instant feedback to users. Despite this, validity of using smartphones to measure these six key behaviours is largely unknown. The proposed systematic review aims to address this gap by identifying existing smartphone-based approaches to measure these health behaviours and critically appraising, comparing and summarizing the quality of their measurement properties. A systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), PsychINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost) and IEEE Xplore Digital Library databases will be conducted from January 2007 to March 2020. Eligible studies will be those written in English that measure at least one of the six health behaviours of interest via a smartphone and report on at least one measurement property. The primary outcomes will be validity, reliability and/or responsiveness of these measurement approaches. A secondary outcome will be the feasibility (e.g. user burden, usability and cost) of identified approaches. No restrictions will be placed on the participant population or study design. Two reviewers will independently screen studies for eligibility, extract data and assess the risk of bias. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Our results will be described in a narrative synthesis. If feasible, random effects meta-analysis will be conducted where appropriate. The results from this review will provide important information about the types of smartphone-based approaches currently available to measure the core behavioural risk factors for chronic disease and the quality of their measurement properties. It will allow recommendations on the most suitable and effective measures of these lifestyle behaviours using smartphones. Valid and reliable measurement of these behaviours and risk factor opens the door to targeted and real-time delivery of health behaviour interventions, providing unprecedented opportunities to offset the trajectory toward chronic disease. PROSPERO: CRD42019122242
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-04-2022
Abstract: hysical inactivity is a preventable risk factor for several chronic diseases and one of the driving forces behind the growing global burden of disease. Recent evidence has shown that interventions using mobile smartphone applications (apps) can promote a significant increase in physical activity (PA) levels. However, the accuracy and reliability of using apps is unknown. he aim of our review is to determine the accuracy and reliability of using mobile apps to measure PA levels in young people. We conducted a systematic review guided by PRISMA. tudies published from 2007 to 2020 were sourced from eight databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), PsychINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and IEEE Xplore Digital Library database). Studies conducted in young people, aged 10-24 years without chronic illness that evaluated a mobile app’s ability to measure PA. Primary outcomes include validity, reliability and/or responsiveness of the measurement approach. Duplicate screening was conducted for eligibility, data extraction and assessing the risk of bias. Results are reported as a systematic review. The main outcome measures assessed were: total PA time (mins/day or mins/week), total moderate-vigorous PA per week, daily step count, intensity measure (heart rate), and frequency measure (days per week). f the 149 identified studies, five met inclusion criteria (n=322 participants, 58% female mean age 14±3 years). Three studies measured criterion validity and compared PA measured via apps against an Actigraph accelerometer. The two studies that reported on construct validity reported a significant difference between self-reported PA and the objective measure. Only one of the five apps examined is available to the public, and though this app was highly accepted by young people, the app recorded PA to be significantly different to participants’ self-reported PA. verall, few studies assess the reliability, validity and responsiveness of mobile apps to measure PA in healthy young people, with studies typically only reporting on one measurement property. Of the three studies that measured validity, all concluded mobile phones to be an acceptable and valid tool. More research is needed into the validity and reliability of smart-phone apps to measure PA levels in this population, as well as populations with other characteristics, including age groups and those with chronic disease. ystematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019122242.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 07-05-2018
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 15-06-2023
DOI: 10.2196/42244
Abstract: Internalizing and externalizing personality traits are robust risk factors for substance use and mental health, and personality-targeted interventions are effective in preventing substance use and mental health problems in youth. However, there is limited evidence for how personality relates to other lifestyle risk factors, such as energy balance–related behaviors, and how this might inform prevention efforts. This study aimed to examine concurrent cross-sectional associations between personality traits (ie, hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) and sleep, diet, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behaviors (SB), 4 of the leading risk factors for chronic disease, among emerging adults. Data were drawn from a cohort of young Australians who completed a web-based, self-report survey in 2019 during early adulthood. A series of Poisson and logistic regressions were conducted to examine the concurrent associations between the risk behaviors (sleep, diet, PA, and sitting and screen time) and personality traits (hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) among emerging adults in Australia. A total of 978 participants (mean age 20.4, SD 0.5 years) completed the web-based survey. The results indicated that higher scores on hopelessness were associated with a greater daily screen (risk ratio [RR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.10-1.15) and sitting time (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.0-1.08). Similarly, higher scores on anxiety sensitivity were associated with a greater screen (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07) and sitting time (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07). Higher impulsivity was associated with greater PA (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21) and screen time (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.08). Finally, higher scores on sensation seeking were associated with greater PA (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14) and lower screen time (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99). The results suggest that personality should be considered when designing preventive interventions for lifestyle risk behaviors, particularly in relation to SB, such as sitting and screen time. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000026820 kwcxspr
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2015.09.015
Abstract: This study investigated the validity of a brief personality screening measure for substance use in adolescents, the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), among Australian adolescents. A total of 527 adolescents (mean age: 13.38years, SD=0.43) from seven Australian schools were assessed at two time points 24months apart. The concurrent and predictive validity of the SURPS was determined using a series of linear and logistic regressions, and was compared to the results in a United Kingdom (UK) s le. SURPS subscale scores for the Australian population were also reported and compared to those in the UK. Overall, the SURPS subscale scores for Australian adolescents were similar to those for adolescents from the UK. Tests of concurrent and predictive validity in the Australian s le demonstrated that the all four personality profiles - Hopelessness (H), Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), Impulsivity (IMP), and Sensation Seeking (SS) - were related to measures of substance use and other behavioural and emotional characteristics. In addition, all the predicted specific prospective relationships between the personality profiles and particular substance use and other behavioural problems were confirmed except that H was not associated with illicit drug use. Overall, the results were similar between the Australian and UK s les. The SURPS is a valid and useful measure for identifying Australian adolescents at high-risk for substance use and other emotional and behavioural problems. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.05.003
Abstract: A universal Internet-based preventive intervention has been shown to reduce alcohol and cannabis use. The aim of this study was to examine if this program could also reduce risk-factors associated with substance use in adolescents. A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in Sydney, Australia in 2007-2008 to assess the effectiveness of the Internet-based Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis course. The evidence-based course, aimed at reducing alcohol and cannabis use, consists of two sets of six lessons delivered approximately six months apart. A total of 764 students (mean 13.1years) from 10 secondary schools were randomly allocated to receive the preventive intervention (n=397, five schools), or their usual health classes (n=367, five schools) over the year. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately post, and six and twelve months following the intervention on their levels of truancy, psychological distress and moral disengagement. Compared to the control group, students in the intervention group showed significant reductions in truancy, psychological distress and moral disengagement up to twelve months following completion of the intervention. These intervention effects indicate that Internet-based preventive interventions designed to prevent alcohol and cannabis use can concurrently reduce risk-factors associated with substance use in adolescents. Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN: 012607000312448.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2012.00517.X
Abstract: The use of alcohol and drugs amongst young people is a serious concern and the need for effective prevention is clear. This paper identifies and describes current school-based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the Internet. The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched in March 2012. Additional materials were obtained from reference lists of papers. Studies were included if they described an Internet- or computer-based prevention program for alcohol or other drugs delivered in schools. Twelve trials of 10 programs were identified. Seven trials evaluated Internet-based programs and five delivered an intervention via CD-ROM. The interventions targeted alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. Data to calculate effect size and odds ratios were unavailable for three programs. Of the seven programs with available data, six achieved reductions in alcohol, cannabis or tobacco use at post intervention and/or follow up. Two interventions were associated with decreased intentions to use tobacco, and two significantly increased alcohol and drug-related knowledge. This is the first study to review the efficacy of school-based drug and alcohol prevention programs delivered online or via computers. Findings indicate that existing computer- and Internet-based prevention programs in schools have the potential to reduce alcohol and other drug use as well as intentions to use substances in the future. These findings, together with the implementation advantages and high fidelity associated with new technology, suggest that programs facilitated by computers and the Internet offer a promising delivery method for school-based prevention.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 26-04-2022
DOI: 10.2196/39085
Abstract: Physical inactivity is a preventable risk factor for several chronic diseases and one of the driving forces behind the growing global burden of disease. Recent evidence has shown that interventions using mobile smartphone apps can promote a significant increase in physical activity (PA) levels. However, the accuracy and reliability of using apps is unknown. The aim of our review was to determine the accuracy and reliability of using mobile apps to measure PA levels in young people. We conducted a systematic review guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Studies published from 2007 to 2020 were sourced from 8 databases—Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), PsychINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and IEEE Xplore Digital Library database. Studies were conducted in young people aged 10-24 years and without chronic illnesses, who evaluated a mobile app’s ability to measure PA. Primary outcomes included validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the measurement approach. Duplicate screening was conducted for eligibility, data extraction, and assessing the risk of bias. Results were reported as a systematic review. The main physical activity measures evaluated for each study were the following: total PA time (min/day or min/week), total moderate to vigorous PA per week, daily step count, intensity measure (heart rate), and frequency measure (days per week). Of the 149 identified studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria (322 participants, 176 female mean age 14, SD 3 years). A total of 3 studies measured criterion validity and compared PA measured via apps against PA measured via an Actigraph accelerometer. The 2 studies that reported on construct validity identified a significant difference between self-reported PA and the objective measure. Only 1 of the 5 apps examined was available to the public, and although this app was highly accepted by young people, the app recorded PA to be significantly different to participants’ self-reported PA. Overall, few studies assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of mobile apps to measure PA in healthy young people, with studies typically only reporting on one measurement property. Of the 3 studies that measured validity, all concluded that mobile phones were acceptable and valid tools. More research is needed into the validity and reliability of smartphone apps to measure PA levels in this population as well as in populations with other characteristics, including other age groups and those with chronic diseases. PROSPERO CRD42019122242 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=122242
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1017/BEC.2016.9
Abstract: Background: The present study explored the reliability, validity, and factor structure of a modified version of the Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS), which comprehensively assesses proneness to disengage from different forms of conduct specific to Australian adolescents. Methods: A s le of 452 students ( M age = 12.79 SD = 1.93) completed the modified MDS and the Australian Self-Report Delinquency Scale. A multistep approach was used to evaluate the factor structure of the MDS. The s le was ided into exploratory ( n = 221) and cross-validation s les ( n = 231). Principal component analysis was conducted with the exploratory s le and multiple factor solutions compared to determine the optimal factor structure of the modified MDS. The final factor solution was confirmed in the cross-validation s le using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the final scale and convergent validity with the delinquency questionnaire was also assessed. Results: Analyses resulted in a 22-item MDS for use in Australia, with four factors mapping onto the four conceptual categories of moral disengagement. The in idual subscales demonstrated adequate to good internal consistency, and the total scale also demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.87). Convergent validity of the scale was established. Conclusions: The 22-item Australian MDS is a reliable and valid instrument for use within an Australian population.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JCPP.12558
Abstract: This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of Preventure, a selective personality-targeted prevention program, in reducing the uptake of alcohol, harmful use of alcohol, and alcohol-related harms over a 3-year period. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Preventure. Schools were block randomized to one of two groups: the Preventure group (n = 7 schools) and the Control group (n = 7 schools). Only students screening as high-risk on one of four personality profiles (anxiety sensitivity, negative thinking, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) were included in the analysis. All students were assessed at five time points over a 3-year period: baseline immediately after the intervention and 12, 24, and 36 months after baseline. Students were assessed on frequency of drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol-related harms. Two-part latent growth models were used to analyze intervention effects, which included all students with data available at each time point. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000026820 www.anzctr.org.au). A total of 438 high-risk adolescents (mean age, 13.4 years SD = 0.47) from 14 Australian schools were recruited to the study and completed baseline assessments. Relative to high-risk Control students, high-risk Preventure students displayed significantly reduced growth in their likelihood to consume alcohol [b = -0.225 (0.061) p < .001], to binge drink [b = -0.305 (.096) p = 0.001], and to experience alcohol-related harms [b = -0.255 (0.096) p = .008] over 36 months. Findings from this study support the use of selective personality-targeted preventive interventions in reducing the uptake of alcohol, alcohol misuse, and related harms over the long term. This trial is the first to demonstrate the effects of a selective alcohol prevention program over a 3-year period and the first to demonstrate the effects of a selective preventive intervention in Australia.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-02-2022
DOI: 10.2196/27337
Abstract: Poor diet, alcohol use, and tobacco smoking have been identified as strong determinants of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Smartphones have the potential to provide a real-time, pervasive, unobtrusive, and cost-effective way to measure these health behaviors and deliver instant feedback to users. Despite this, the validity of using smartphones to measure these behaviors is largely unknown. The aim of our review is to identify existing smartphone-based approaches to measure these health behaviors and critically appraise the quality of their measurement properties. We conducted a systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and IEEE Xplore Digital Library databases in March 2020. Articles that were written in English reported measuring diet, alcohol use, or tobacco use via a smartphone and reported on at least one measurement property (eg, validity, reliability, and responsiveness) were eligible. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Risk of Bias checklist. Outcomes were summarized in a narrative synthesis. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, identifier CRD42019122242. Of 12,261 records, 72 studies describing the measurement properties of smartphone-based approaches to measure diet (48/72, 67%), alcohol use (16/72, 22%), and tobacco use (8/72, 11%) were identified and included in this review. Across the health behaviors, 18 different measurement techniques were used in smartphones. The measurement properties most commonly examined were construct validity, measurement error, and criterion validity. The results varied by behavior and measurement approach, and the methodological quality of the studies varied widely. Most studies investigating the measurement of diet and alcohol received very good or adequate methodological quality ratings, that is, 73% (35/48) and 69% (11/16), respectively, whereas only 13% (1/8) investigating the measurement of tobacco use received a very good or adequate rating. This review is the first to provide evidence regarding the different types of smartphone-based approaches currently used to measure key behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases (diet, alcohol use, and tobacco use) and the quality of their measurement properties. A total of 19 measurement techniques were identified, most of which assessed dietary behaviors (48/72, 67%). Some evidence exists to support the reliability and validity of using smartphones to assess these behaviors however, the results varied by behavior and measurement approach. The methodological quality of the included studies also varied. Overall, more high-quality studies validating smartphone-based approaches against criterion measures are needed. Further research investigating the use of smartphones to assess alcohol and tobacco use and objective measurement approaches is also needed. RR2-0.1186/s13643-020-01375-w
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 17-11-2022
DOI: 10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2022.42544
Abstract: Alcohol consumption is one of the leading preventable causes of burden of disease worldwide. Selective prevention of alcohol use can be effective in delaying the uptake and reducing harmful use of alcohol during the school years however, little is known about the durability of these effects across the significant transition from early adolescence into late adolescence and early adulthood. To examine the sustained effects of a selective personality-targeted alcohol use prevention program on alcohol outcomes among adolescents who report high levels of 1 of 4 personality traits associated with substance use. A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the selective personality-targeted PreVenture program on reducing the growth of risky alcohol use and related harms from early to late adolescence and early adulthood. Participants included grade 8 students attending 14 secondary schools across New South Wales and Victoria, Australia, in 2012 who screened as having high levels of anxiety sensitivity, negative thinking, impulsivity, and/or sensation seeking. Schools were block randomized to either the PreVenture group (7 schools) or the control group (7 schools). The primary end point of the original trial was 2 years post baseline the present study extends the follow-up period from July 1, 2017, to December 1, 2019, 7 years post baseline. Data were analyzed from July 22, 2021, to August 2, 2022. The PreVenture program is a 2-session, personality-targeted intervention designed to upskill adolescents to better cope with their emotions and behaviors. Self-reported monthly binge drinking, alcohol-related harms, and hazardous alcohol use measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Concise consumption screener. Of 438 participants (249 male [56.8%] mean [SD] age, 13.4 [0.5] years) from 14 schools, 377 (86.2%) provided follow-up data on at least 2 occasions, and among those eligible, 216 (54.0%) participated in the long-term follow-up. Compared with the control condition, the PreVenture intervention was associated with reduced odds of any alcohol-related harm (odds ratio [OR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.70-0.94]) and a greater mean reduction in the frequency of alcohol-related harms (β = −0.22 [95% CI, −0.44 to −0.003]) at the 7.0-year follow-up. There were no differences in the odds of monthly binge drinking (OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.56-1.13]) or hazardous alcohol use (OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.59-1.27]) at the 7.0-year follow-up. Exploratory analyses at the 5.5-year follow-up showed that compared with the control condition, the PreVenture intervention was also associated with reduced odds of monthly binge drinking (OR, 0.87, [95% CI, 0.77-0.99]) and hazardous alcohol use (OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.84-0.99]), but this was not sustained. This study demonstrated that a brief selective personality-targeted alcohol use prevention intervention delivered in the middle school years can have sustained effects into early adulthood. anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12612000026820
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-06-2014
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-09-2017
Abstract: he use of crystal meth hetamine (ice) and the associated harms for in iduals, families, and communities across Australia has been the subject of growing concern in recent years. The provision of easily accessible, evidence-based, and up-to-date information and resources about crystal meth hetamine for the community is a critical component of an effective public health response. his paper aims to describe the codevelopment process of the Web-based Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit, which was developed to improve access to evidence-based information and resources about crystal meth hetamine for the Australian community. evelopment of the Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit was conducted in collaboration with community members across Australia and with experts working in the addiction field. The iterative process involved the following: (1) consultation with end users, including community members, crystal meth hetamine users, families and friends of someone using crystal meth hetamine, health professionals, and teachers (n=451) via a cross-sectional Web-based survey to understand information needs (2) content and Web development and (3) user testing of a beta version of the Web-based toolkit among end users (n=41) and experts (n=10) to evaluate the toolkit’s acceptability, relevance, and appeal. nitial end user consultation indicated that the most commonly endorsed reasons for visiting a website about crystal meth hetamine were “to get information for myself” (185/451, 41.0%) and “to find out how to help a friend or a family member” (136/451, 30.2%). Community consultation also revealed the need for simple information about crystal meth hetamine, including what it is, its effects, and when and where to seek help or support. Feedback on a beta version of the toolkit was positive in terms of content, readability, layout, look, and feel. Commonly identified areas for improvement related to increasing the level of engagement and personal connection, improving the ease of navigation, and balancing a “low prevalence of use, yet high impact” message. A total of 9138 users visited the website in the 3 months immediately post launch, and over 25,000 hard-copy Cracks in the Ice booklets and flyers were distributed across Australia. Of these resources, 60.93% (15,525/25,480) were distributed to relevant organizations and mailing list subscribers, and 39.07% (9955/25,480) were ordered directly by in iduals, services, and community groups via the Cracks in the Ice website. he codevelopment process resulted in an engaging Web-based resource for the Australian community to access up-to-date and evidence-based resources about crystal meth hetamine. The Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit provides much-needed information and support for in iduals, families, and communities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-02-2020
Abstract: igh rates of cannabis and illicit drug use are experienced by young people during the final stages of neurodevelopment (aged 15-24 years), a period characterized by high neuroplasticity. Frequent drug use during this time may interfere with neurophysiological and neuropsychological development pathways, potentially leading to ongoing unfavorable neuroadaptations. The dose-response relationship between illicit drug use, exposure, and in idual neurodevelopmental variation is unknown but salient with global shifts in the legal landscape and increasingly liberal attitudes and perceptions of the harm caused by cannabis and illicit drugs. his systematic review aims to synthesize longitudinal studies that investigate the effects of illicit drug use on structural, functional, and cognitive brain domains in in iduals under the neural age of adulthood (25 years). This protocol outlines prospective methods that will facilitate an exhaustive review of the literature exploring pre- and post-drug use brain abnormalities arising during neurodevelopment. ive electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest Central, and Web of Science) will be systematically searched between 1990 and 2019. The search terms will be a combination of MeSH (Medical Subject Headings), with keywords adapted to each database. Study reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and if relevant, study quality will be assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible studies are those that s led youth exposed to cannabis or illicit drugs and employed neurophysiological or neuropsychological assessment techniques. Studies will be excluded if participants had been clinically diagnosed with any psychiatric, neurological, or pharmacological condition. his is an ongoing review. As of February 2020, papers are in full-text screening, with results predicted to be complete by July 2020. ntegrating data collected on the three brain domains will enable an assessment of the links between structural, functional, and cognitive brain health across in iduals and may support the early detection and prevention of neurodevelopmental harm. ROSPERO CRD42020151442 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=151442 RR1-10.2196/18349
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JSR.13940
Abstract: This study investigated how changing or maintaining parent‐set bedtimes over time relates to adolescents’ sleep timing, latency, and duration. Adolescents ( n = 2509 M age = 12.6 [0.5] years 47% m) self‐reported their sleep patterns, and whether they had parent‐set bedtimes on two separate occasions in 2019 (T1 12.6 years) and 2020 (T2 13.7 years). We identified four groups based on parent‐set bedtimes: (1) bedtime rules at both T1 and T2 (46%, n = 1155), (2) no bedtime rules at T1 nor T2 (26%, n = 656), (3) bedtime rules at T1 but not T2 (19%, n = 472), (4) no bedtime rules at T1 but a parent‐set bedtime at T2 (9%, n = 226). As expected, the entire s le showed that bedtimes generally became later and sleep duration shorter across adolescence, but the change differed among the groups. Adolescents whose parents introduced bedtime rules at T2 reported earlier bedtimes and longer sleep duration (~20 min) compared with adolescents with no bedtime rules at T2. Importantly, they no longer differed from adolescents who consistently had bedtimes across T1 and T2. There was no significant interaction for sleep latency, which declined at a similar rate for all groups. These results are the first to suggest that maintaining or re‐introducing a parent‐set bedtime may be possible and beneficial for adolescents’ sleep.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-02-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-12-2018
DOI: 10.2196/11107
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-020433
Abstract: To evaluate the effectiveness of the online Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module over 2 years, and examine the impact of intervention dose on outcomes. Cluster randomised controlled trial. Secondary schools in Australia. 1126 students (aged 14.9 years) from 11 schools. Five schools were randomly allocated to the four-lesson internet-based Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module. This universal intervention uses cartoon storylines to deliver harm-minimisation information about ecstasy and new psychoactive substances (NPS). It was delivered during health education classes over 4 weeks. Six schools were randomised to the control group (health education as usual). Participants were not blinded to intervention allocation. Students completed self-report surveys at baseline, post-test, 6, 12 and 24 months post-baseline. Intentions to use ecstasy and NPS (including synthetic cannabis and synthetic stimulants), knowledge about ecstasy and NPS and lifetime use of ecstasy and NPS were assessed. This paper reports the results at 24 months post-baseline. Mixed effects regressions were conducted to analyse intervention effects from baseline to 24 months. Post hoc analyses using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting compared controls with students who: i) completed all four lessons (‘full dose’) and ii) partially completed the intervention (≤three lessons, ‘incomplete dose’). Primary analyses found that controls were significantly more likely to intend on using synthetic cannabis compared with intervention group students (OR=3.56, p=0.01). Results from the weighted analyses indicated that controls reported significantly lower knowledge about ecstasy (p=0.001) and NPS (p=0.04) compared with the full-dose group. No significant differences were observed between the incomplete dose and control groups. The online intervention was effective in modifying students’ intentions to use synthetic cannabis up to 24 months however, this study highlights the importance of delivering prevention programmes in full to maximise student outcomes. ACTRN12613000708752.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-07-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12312
Abstract: In recent years there has been growing concern about new psychoactive substances (NPS) designed to mimic the effects of established illicit drugs. This paper explores the patterns and correlates of NPS use in a s le of Australian students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Australia in 2014. Data were collected from 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years) from 11 secondary schools. Students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing NPS use and knowledge, beliefs and intentions to use these substances. NPS users were compared with non-users and illicit drug users, who had not used NPS, in terms of gender, binge drinking, tobacco use, psychological distress and self-efficacy to resist peer pressure. Of the 1126 students, 3% reported having ever tried NPS, 2.4% had used synthetic cannabis and 0.4% had used a synthetic stimulant. Analyses revealed that NPS users were more likely to have had an episode of binge drinking in the past 6 months, tried tobacco and had higher levels of psychological distress and lower perceived self-efficacy to resist peer pressure than non-users, but did not significantly differ from users of other illicit drugs. NPS use appears to be uncommon among Australian school students. Although adolescents that do use these substances did not differ from students that had used traditional illicit drugs, both appear to be higher-risk groups of students than non-users. Our findings suggest that universal education about NPS be incorporated into existing drug prevention programmes, and that targeted NPS prevention may also be warranted among high-risk adolescents. [Ch ion KE, Teesson M, Newton NC. Patterns and correlates of new psychoactive substance use in a s le of Australian high school students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :338-344].
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-07-2020
DOI: 10.2196/18349
Abstract: High rates of cannabis and illicit drug use are experienced by young people during the final stages of neurodevelopment (aged 15-24 years), a period characterized by high neuroplasticity. Frequent drug use during this time may interfere with neurophysiological and neuropsychological development pathways, potentially leading to ongoing unfavorable neuroadaptations. The dose-response relationship between illicit drug use, exposure, and in idual neurodevelopmental variation is unknown but salient with global shifts in the legal landscape and increasingly liberal attitudes and perceptions of the harm caused by cannabis and illicit drugs. This systematic review aims to synthesize longitudinal studies that investigate the effects of illicit drug use on structural, functional, and cognitive brain domains in in iduals under the neural age of adulthood (25 years). This protocol outlines prospective methods that will facilitate an exhaustive review of the literature exploring pre- and post-drug use brain abnormalities arising during neurodevelopment. Five electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest Central, and Web of Science) will be systematically searched between 1990 and 2019. The search terms will be a combination of MeSH (Medical Subject Headings), with keywords adapted to each database. Study reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and if relevant, study quality will be assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible studies are those that s led youth exposed to cannabis or illicit drugs and employed neurophysiological or neuropsychological assessment techniques. Studies will be excluded if participants had been clinically diagnosed with any psychiatric, neurological, or pharmacological condition. This is an ongoing review. As of February 2020, papers are in full-text screening, with results predicted to be complete by July 2020. Integrating data collected on the three brain domains will enable an assessment of the links between structural, functional, and cognitive brain health across in iduals and may support the early detection and prevention of neurodevelopmental harm. PROSPERO CRD42020151442 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=151442 PRR1-10.2196/18349
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-10-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S11121-019-01038-W
Abstract: This systematic review assessed the current evidence base of substance use prevention programs for Indigenous adolescents in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The authors investigated (a) the outcomes, type, setting and context of prevention programs (b) the common components of beneficial prevention programs and (c) the methodological quality of evaluations of included prevention programs. The authors searched eight peer-reviewed and 20 grey literature databases for studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2017. Data extracted included type of program (culturally adapted, culture-based or unadapted), the setting (school, community, family or multi-setting), delivery (computerised or traditional), context (Indigenous-specific or multi-cultural environment) and common components of the programs. Program evaluation methodologies were critically appraised against standardised criteria. This review identified 26 eligible studies. Substance use prevention programs for Indigenous youth led to reductions in substance use frequency and intention to use improvements in substance-related knowledge, attitudes and resistance strategies and delay in substance use initiation. Key elements of beneficial programs included substance use education, skills development, cultural knowledge enhancement and community involvement in program development. Five programs were rated as methodologically strong, seven were moderate and fourteen were weak. Prevention programs have the potential to reduce substance use among Indigenous adolescents, especially when they are developed in partnership with Indigenous people. However, more rigorously conducted evaluation trials are required to strengthen the evidence base.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-11-2020
Abstract: he link between chronic diseases and the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviors (ie, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, sedentary recreational screen time, and poor sleep) is well established. It is critical to target these lifestyle risk behaviors, as they often co-occur and emerge in adolescence. Smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, and many adolescents already use mobile apps to monitor their lifestyle behaviors and improve their health. Smartphones may be a valuable platform for engaging adolescents with interventions to prevent key chronic disease risk behaviors. he aim of this paper is to describe the development, usability, and acceptability of the Health4Life app, a self-monitoring smartphone app for adolescents that concurrently targets the Big 6 lifestyle behaviors. he development of the Health4Life app was an iterative process conducted in collaboration with adolescents and experts. The development process consisted of three stages: scoping the literature end user consultations, which included a web-based survey (N=815 mean age 13.89, SD 0.89 years) and a focus group (N=12) among adolescents and app development and beta testing. Following this development work, 232 adolescents were asked to rate the usability and acceptability of the app. he process resulted in a self-monitoring smartphone app that allows adolescent users to track and set goals for the Big 6 health behaviors, using in-app rewards and notifications to enhance engagement. The overall adolescent feedback was positive in terms of user-friendly design, content, relevance, and helpfulness. Commonly identified areas for improvement were to increase interactive features and display recorded health behaviors differently to improve interpretability. he Health4Life app is a co-designed, self-monitoring smartphone app for adolescents that concurrently targets the Big 6 lifestyle behaviors. Adolescents rated the app as highly acceptable and usable. The app has the potential to efficiently and effectively modify important risk factors for chronic disease among young people and is currently being evaluated in a world-first trial of 6640 secondary school students in 71 schools across Australia. >
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-01-2021
Abstract: oor diet, alcohol use, and tobacco smoking have been identified as strong determinants of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Smartphones have the potential to provide a real-time, pervasive, unobtrusive, and cost-effective way to measure these health behaviors and deliver instant feedback to users. Despite this, the validity of using smartphones to measure these behaviors is largely unknown. he aim of our review is to identify existing smartphone-based approaches to measure these health behaviors and critically appraise the quality of their measurement properties. e conducted a systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Web of Science (Clarivate), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and IEEE Xplore Digital Library databases in March 2020. Articles that were written in English reported measuring diet, alcohol use, or tobacco use via a smartphone and reported on at least one measurement property (eg, validity, reliability, and responsiveness) were eligible. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Risk of Bias checklist. Outcomes were summarized in a narrative synthesis. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, identifier CRD42019122242. f 12,261 records, 72 studies describing the measurement properties of smartphone-based approaches to measure diet (48/72, 67%), alcohol use (16/72, 22%), and tobacco use (8/72, 11%) were identified and included in this review. Across the health behaviors, 18 different measurement techniques were used in smartphones. The measurement properties most commonly examined were construct validity, measurement error, and criterion validity. The results varied by behavior and measurement approach, and the methodological quality of the studies varied widely. Most studies investigating the measurement of diet and alcohol received i very good /i or i adequate /i methodological quality ratings, that is, 73% (35/48) and 69% (11/16), respectively, whereas only 13% (1/8) investigating the measurement of tobacco use received a i very good /i or i adequate /i rating. his review is the first to provide evidence regarding the different types of smartphone-based approaches currently used to measure key behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases (diet, alcohol use, and tobacco use) and the quality of their measurement properties. A total of 19 measurement techniques were identified, most of which assessed dietary behaviors (48/72, 67%). Some evidence exists to support the reliability and validity of using smartphones to assess these behaviors however, the results varied by behavior and measurement approach. The methodological quality of the included studies also varied. Overall, more high-quality studies validating smartphone-based approaches against criterion measures are needed. Further research investigating the use of smartphones to assess alcohol and tobacco use and objective measurement approaches is also needed. R2-0.1186/s13643-020-01375-w
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 20-11-2017
Abstract: Alcohol and cannabis are the two most commonly used substances by young people in many developed nations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the longitudinal relationships between risky substance use (binge drinking and cannabis use) and psychological distress, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and truancy among Australian adolescents. A total of 527 students (Mage=13.4 years, SD=0.43 67 per cent female) from seven Australian schools completed an online self-report survey on four occasions over two years (baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months). The survey assessed binge drinking (5+ standard drinks on one occasion), cannabis use in the past six months, psychological distress, emotional and behavioural difficulties (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire), and truancy. Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were conducted to examine the longitudinal relationship between the substance use outcomes and each predictor variable. At baseline, 3 per cent of students reported binge drinking and 6 per cent had used cannabis in the past six months. Rates of binge drinking significantly increased over time (21.1 per cent at 24 months) however, rates of cannabis use remained relatively stable (8.8 per cent at 24 months). Multivariate GEE analyses indicated that higher levels of hyperactivity/inattention, more days of truancy and being female were independently and consistently associated with binge drinking over time. Conduct problems was the only factor to be independently associated with cannabis use over time. These findings provide valuable information about psychosocial risk factors for harmful alcohol and cannabis use. A better understanding of these associations is critical for informing substance use prevention efforts in the future.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-12-2021
Abstract: hronic disease burden is higher among disadvantaged populations. Preventing lifestyle risk behaviors such as poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping in adolescence is critical for reducing the risk of chronic disease and related harms in adolescence and adulthood. Although eHealth interventions are a promising prevention approach among the general population, it is unclear whether they adequately serve adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds such as those living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas. his is the first systematic review to identify, evaluate, and synthesize evidence for the effectiveness of eHealth interventions targeting adolescents living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas in preventing poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping. systematic search will be conducted in 7 electronic databases: the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PROSPERO, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and PsycInfo (Ovid). The search will be limited to eHealth-based experimental studies (ie, randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies) targeting diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents (aged 10-19 years). Eligible studies will be those reporting on at least one marker of socioeconomic status (eg, social class, household income, parental occupation status, parental education, and family affluence) or geographical remoteness (eg, living in rural, regional, and remote areas, or living outside major metropolitan centers). One reviewer will screen all studies for eligibility, of which 25% will be double-screened. Data will be extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Revised Risk of Bias Tool. s of December 2021, the title and abstract screening of 3216 articles was completed, and the full-text review was underway. The systematic review is expected to be completed in 2022. his systematic review will provide an in-depth understanding of effective eHealth interventions targeting poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents living in geographically remote or lower socioeconomic areas and the factors that contribute to their effectiveness. This in turn will provide critical knowledge to improve future interventions delivered to these populations. ROSPERO CRD42021294119 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=294119 RR1-10.2196/35408
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-059795
Abstract: Adolescent onset substance use is associated with neurodevelopmental, social and psychological harms. Thus, alcohol and other drug prevention programmes are essential to promote health and well-being during this period. Schools are uniquely positioned to deliver such prevention programmes. The last decade has seen a large expansion of school-based alcohol and drug prevention programmes in Australia, warranting an update of the comprehensive review conducted by Teesson et al in 2012. This proposed review aims to (1) identify school-based substance use prevention programmes that have been trialled in Australia since 2011, (2) evaluate their efficacy and (3) identify intervention components associated with effectiveness. This will assist schools in identifying and adopting effective evidence-based programmes and inform future programme development, evaluation and policy. Studies published from 2011 will be identified by searching the electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, ProQuest and Cochrane Library in addition to grey literature searches. Eligible studies will be controlled trials (including randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials) of programmes measuring drug and alcohol related outcomes that are conducted in a school setting and have been trialled within Australia. Records will be independently screened for eligibility by two review authors, with disagreements being resolved by consensus or a third review author where necessary. Data extraction, risk of bias and study quality will also be completed independently by two review authors. A qualitative synthesis of all eligible studies will be presented. In addition, if there are sufficient data to combine studies, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted. This research is exempt from ethics approval as no primary data are collected, with work instead being carried out on published documents. The findings of this proposed review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at conferences. CRD42021272959.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-04-2021
DOI: 10.2196/25513
Abstract: The link between chronic diseases and the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviors (ie, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, sedentary recreational screen time, and poor sleep) is well established. It is critical to target these lifestyle risk behaviors, as they often co-occur and emerge in adolescence. Smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, and many adolescents already use mobile apps to monitor their lifestyle behaviors and improve their health. Smartphones may be a valuable platform for engaging adolescents with interventions to prevent key chronic disease risk behaviors. The aim of this paper is to describe the development, usability, and acceptability of the Health4Life app, a self-monitoring smartphone app for adolescents that concurrently targets the Big 6 lifestyle behaviors. The development of the Health4Life app was an iterative process conducted in collaboration with adolescents and experts. The development process consisted of three stages: scoping the literature end user consultations, which included a web-based survey (N=815 mean age 13.89, SD 0.89 years) and a focus group (N=12) among adolescents and app development and beta testing. Following this development work, 232 adolescents were asked to rate the usability and acceptability of the app. The process resulted in a self-monitoring smartphone app that allows adolescent users to track and set goals for the Big 6 health behaviors, using in-app rewards and notifications to enhance engagement. The overall adolescent feedback was positive in terms of user-friendly design, content, relevance, and helpfulness. Commonly identified areas for improvement were to increase interactive features and display recorded health behaviors differently to improve interpretability. The Health4Life app is a co-designed, self-monitoring smartphone app for adolescents that concurrently targets the Big 6 lifestyle behaviors. Adolescents rated the app as highly acceptable and usable. The app has the potential to efficiently and effectively modify important risk factors for chronic disease among young people and is currently being evaluated in a world-first trial of 6640 secondary school students in 71 schools across Australia.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.3390/BS12120488
Abstract: Adolescence is considered an important period of neurodevelopment. It is a time for the emergence of psychosocial vulnerabilities, including symptoms of depression, eating disorders, and increased engagement in unhealthy eating behaviours. Food addiction (FA) in adolescents is an area of study where there has been substantial growth. However, to date, limited studies have considered what demographic characteristics of adolescents may predispose them to endorse greater symptoms of FA. Studies have found a variety of factors that often cluster with and may influence an adolescent’s eating behaviour such as sleep, level of self-control, and parenting practices, as well as bullying. Therefore, this study investigated a range of socio-demographic, trait, mental health, and lifestyle-related profiles (including self-control, parenting, bullying, and sleep) as proximal factors associated with symptoms of FA, as assessed via the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (YFAS-C) in a large s le of Australian adolescents. Following data cleaning, the final analysed s le included 6587 students (age 12.9 years ± 0.39 range 10.9–14.9 years), with 50.05% identifying as male (n = 3297), 48.5% as female (n = 3195), 1.02% prefer not to say (n = 67), and 0.43% as non-binary (n = 28). Self-control was found to be the most significant predictor of total FA symptom score, followed by female gender, sleep quality, and being a victim of bullying. Universal prevention programs should therefore aim to address these factors to help reduce the prevalence or severity of FA symptoms within early adolescent populations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-01-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-018-09767-Y
Abstract: College is a critical developmental time when many emerging adults engage in unhealthy behaviors (i.e., lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking) and consequently experience an increased risk for a decline in cardiovascular health. Understanding the beliefs and opinions of the target population is important to develop effective health promotion interventions. The goal of this study was to understand opinions regarding health and health-related mobile technology of college students at an academically elite Midwestern university in order to inform a mobile health promotion intervention following the integrated behavioral model framework. Eighteen college students between the ages of 18 and 22 participated in one of four focus groups, where they discussed perceptions of health behaviors, technology use, and their college environment. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis as well as consensus and conformity analysis. Students reported prioritizing academic success over health and believed in a cultural norm within the university that unhealthy behavioral practices lead to increased academic success. Other identified barriers to achieving good health were (a) low self-efficacy for engaging in healthy behaviors when presented with conflicting academic opportunities and (b) low estimation of the importance of engaging in health behaviors. Regarding mobile health applications (apps), students reported preferring apps that were visually attractive, personalized to each user, and that did not involve competing against other users. These results have implications for the development of mobile health promotion interventions for college students, as they highlight facilitators and barriers to health behavior change in an academically elite student body.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-05-2018
Abstract: espite evidence of increasing harms and community concern related to the drug crystal meth hetamine (“ice”), there is a lack of easily accessible, evidence-based information for community members affected by its use, and to date, no evidence-based mobile apps have specifically focused on crystal meth hetamine. his study aims to describe the co-design and beta testing of a mobile app to provide evidence-based, up-to-date information about crystal meth hetamine to the general community. mobile app about crystal meth hetamine was developed in 2017. The development process involved multiple stakeholders (n=12), including technology and drug and alcohol experts, researchers, app developers, a consumer expert with lived experience, and community members. Beta testing was conducted with Australian general community members (n=34), largely recruited by the Web through Facebook advertising. Participants were invited to use a beta version of the app and provide feedback about the content, visual appeal, usability, engagement, features, and functions. In addition, participants were asked about their perceptions of the app’s influence on awareness, understanding, and help-seeking behavior related to crystal meth hetamine, and about their knowledge about crystal meth hetamine before and after using the app. he vast majority of participants reported the app was likely to increase awareness and understanding and encourage help-seeking. The app received positive ratings overall and was well received. Specifically, participants responded positively to the high-quality information provided, usability, and visual appeal. Areas suggested for improvement included reducing the amount of text, increasing engagement, removing a profile picture, and improving navigation through the addition of a “back” button. Suggested improvements were incorporated prior to the app’s public release. App use was associated with an increase in perceived knowledge about crystal meth hetamine however, this result was not statistically significant. he Cracks in the Ice mobile app provides evidence-based information about the drug crystal meth hetamine for the general community. The app is regularly updated, available via the Web and offline, and was developed in collaboration with experts and end users. Initial results indicate that it is easy to use and acceptable to the target group.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 10-08-2021
DOI: 10.2196/29026
Abstract: The Cracks in the Ice (CITI) community toolkit was developed to provide evidence-based, up-to-date information and resources about crystal meth hetamine to Australians. Given the high rates of internet use in the community and the potential for misinformation, CITI has the potential to play an important role in improving knowledge and challenging misconceptions surrounding crystal meth hetamine. This study aims to determine (1) whether the CITI toolkit is achieving its aim of disseminating evidence-based information and resources to people who use crystal meth hetamine, their family and friends, health professionals, and the general community and (2) examine the association between the use of CITI and the knowledge and attitudes about crystal meth hetamine. A cross-sectional web-based survey, open to Australian residents (aged ≥18 years), was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. People who had previously visited the website (referred to as “website visitors” in this study) and those who had not (“naïve”) were recruited. At baseline, knowledge, attitudes, and demographics were assessed. CITI website visitors then completed a series of site evaluation questions, including the System Usability Scale (SUS), and naïve participants were asked to undertake a guided site tour of a replicated version of the site before completing the evaluation questions and repeating knowledge and attitude scales. Of a total 2108 participants, 564 (26.7%) reported lifetime use of crystal meth hetamine, 434 (20.6%) were family/friends, 288 (13.7%) were health professionals, and 822 (38.9%) were community members. The average SUS score was 73.49 (SD 13.30), indicating good site usability. Health professionals reported significantly higher SUS scores than community members (P=.02) and people who used crystal meth hetamine (P .001). Website visitors had significantly higher baseline knowledge than naïve participants (P .001). Among naïve participants, knowledge scores increased following exposure to the website (mean 15.2, SE 0.05) compared to baseline (mean 14.4, SE 0.05 P .001). The largest shifts in knowledge were observed for items related to prevalence, legal issues, and the effects of the drug. Stigmatizing attitude scores among the naïve group were significantly lower following exposure to CITI (mean 41.97, SE 0.21) compared to baseline (mean 44.3, SE 0.21 P .001). This study provides an innovative evaluation of a national eHealth resource. CITI is achieving its aim of disseminating evidence-based, nonstigmatizing, and useful information and resources about crystal meth hetamine to key end user groups and has received good usability scores across its target groups. Interaction with CITI led to immediate improvements in knowledge about crystal meth hetamine and a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes. CITI demonstrates the important role of digital information and support platforms for translating evidence into practice and improving knowledge and reducing stigma.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAAC.2019.04.010
Abstract: To examine the secondary effects of a personality-targeted intervention on bullying and harms among adolescent victims and bullies. Outcomes were examined for victims and bullies in the Climate and Preventure study, Australia. Participants completed self-report measures at baseline and four follow-up assessments (6, 12, 24, and 36 months). Thirteen intervention schools (n = 1,087) received Preventure, a brief personality-targeted cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for adolescents with high-risk personality types (hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, sensation seeking). Thirteen control schools (n = 1,103) received health education as usual. Bullying was examined for high-risk victims (n = 143 in Preventure schools versus n = 153 in control schools) and bullies (n = 63 in Preventure schools versus n = 67 in control schools) in the total s le. Harms were examined for high-risk victims (n = 110 in Preventure schools versus n = 87 in control schools) and bullies (n = 50 in Preventure schools versus n = 30 in control schools) in independent schools. There was no significant intervention effect for bullying victimization or perpetration in the total s le. In the subs le, mixed models showed greater reductions in victimization (b = -0.208, 95% CI -0.4104 to -0.002, p < .05), suicidal ideation (b = -0.130, 95% CI -0.225 to -0.034, p < .01), and emotional symptoms (b = -0.263, 95% CI -0.466 to -0.061, p < .05) among high-risk victims in Preventure versus control schools. Conduct problems (b = -0.292, 95% CI -0.554 to -0.030, p < .05) showed greater reductions among high-risk bullies in Preventure versus control schools, and suicidal ideation showed greater reductions among high-risk female bullies in Preventure versus control schools (b = -0.820, 95% CI -1.198 to -0.442, p < .001). The findings support targeting personality in bullying prevention. The CAP Study: Evaluating a Comprehensive Universal and Targeted Intervention Designed to Prevent Substance Use and Related Harms in Australian Adolescents www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12612000026820.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-03-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MENTAL.8891
Abstract: The use of crystal meth hetamine (ice) and the associated harms for in iduals, families, and communities across Australia has been the subject of growing concern in recent years. The provision of easily accessible, evidence-based, and up-to-date information and resources about crystal meth hetamine for the community is a critical component of an effective public health response. This paper aims to describe the codevelopment process of the Web-based Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit, which was developed to improve access to evidence-based information and resources about crystal meth hetamine for the Australian community. Development of the Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit was conducted in collaboration with community members across Australia and with experts working in the addiction field. The iterative process involved the following: (1) consultation with end users, including community members, crystal meth hetamine users, families and friends of someone using crystal meth hetamine, health professionals, and teachers (n=451) via a cross-sectional Web-based survey to understand information needs (2) content and Web development and (3) user testing of a beta version of the Web-based toolkit among end users (n=41) and experts (n=10) to evaluate the toolkit’s acceptability, relevance, and appeal. Initial end user consultation indicated that the most commonly endorsed reasons for visiting a website about crystal meth hetamine were “to get information for myself” (185/451, 41.0%) and “to find out how to help a friend or a family member” (136/451, 30.2%). Community consultation also revealed the need for simple information about crystal meth hetamine, including what it is, its effects, and when and where to seek help or support. Feedback on a beta version of the toolkit was positive in terms of content, readability, layout, look, and feel. Commonly identified areas for improvement related to increasing the level of engagement and personal connection, improving the ease of navigation, and balancing a “low prevalence of use, yet high impact” message. A total of 9138 users visited the website in the 3 months immediately post launch, and over 25,000 hard-copy Cracks in the Ice booklets and flyers were distributed across Australia. Of these resources, 60.93% (15,525/25,480) were distributed to relevant organizations and mailing list subscribers, and 39.07% (9955/25,480) were ordered directly by in iduals, services, and community groups via the Cracks in the Ice website. The codevelopment process resulted in an engaging Web-based resource for the Australian community to access up-to-date and evidence-based resources about crystal meth hetamine. The Cracks in the Ice Community Toolkit provides much-needed information and support for in iduals, families, and communities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.2196/RESPROT.9012
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-033337
Abstract: 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). A pilot study examining the feasibility of The Illicit Project in Australian schools was conducted. 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. The intervention consisted of three 90 min workshops delivered by trained facilitators within a month. 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-s le t-test and descriptive analytics were performed. Students (n=169) demonstrated a significant increase in drug literacy levels from preintervention to postintervention (t(169) = −13.22, p .0001). Of students evaluating the programme (n=252), over threequarters agreed that T he 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. 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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAAC.2021.10.023
Abstract: Alcohol use is a leading cause of burden of disease among young people. Prevention strategies can be effective in the short-term however little is known about their longer-term effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the sustainability of universal, selective, and combined alcohol use prevention across the critical transition period from adolescence into early adulthood. In 2012, a total of 2190 students (mean age, 13.3 years) from 26 Australian high schools participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial and were followed up for 3 years post baseline. Schools were randomly assigned to deliver the following: (1) universal Web-based prevention for all students (Climate Schools) (2) selective prevention for high-risk students (Preventure) (3) combined universal and selective prevention (Climate Schools and Preventure [CAP]) or (4) health education as usual (control). This study extends the follow-up period to 7-years post baseline. Primary outcomes were self-reported frequency of alcohol consumption and binge drinking, alcohol-related harms, and hazardous alcohol use, at the 7-year follow-up. At 7-year follow-up, students in all 3 intervention groups reported reduced odds of alcohol-related harms compared to the control group (odds ratios [ORs] = 0.13-0.33), and the Climate (OR = 0.04) and Preventure (OR = 0.17) groups reported lower odds of hazardous alcohol use. The Preventure group also reported lower odds of weekly alcohol use compared to the control group (OR = 0.17), and the Climate group reported lower odds of binge drinking (OR = 0.12), holding mean baseline levels constant. This study demonstrated that both universal and selective preventive interventions delivered in schools can have long-lasting effects and reduce risky drinking and related harms into adulthood. No added benefit was observed by delivering the combined interventions. The CAP Study: Evaluating a Comprehensive Universal and Targeted Intervention Designed to Prevent Substance Use and Related Harms in Australian Adolescents www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12612000026820.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-01-2022
DOI: 10.2196/34530
Abstract: There are no available school-based alcohol and drug prevention programs with evidence of effectiveness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. To address this, we codeveloped the Strong & Deadly Futures well-being and alcohol and drug prevention program in partnership with an Indigenous creative design agency and 4 Australian schools. This paper presents the protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of Strong & Deadly Futures in reducing alcohol and other drug use and improving well-being among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. The target s le will be 960 year 7 and 8 students from 24 secondary schools in Australia, of which approximately 40% (384/960) will identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The study design is a 2-group, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. Recruited schools will be block randomized (ratio 1:1), stratified by geographical remoteness, by an independent statistician. Schools will be randomized to receive Strong & Deadly Futures, a web-based alcohol and drug prevention and social and emotional well-being program that delivers curriculum-aligned content over 6 lessons via an illustrated story, or health education as usual (control). Control schools will be supported to implement Strong & Deadly Futures following trial completion. Surveys will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months (primary end point) post baseline. Primary outcomes are alcohol use (adapted from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey), tobacco use (Standard High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey), and psychological distress (Kessler-5 Psychological Distress Scale). Secondary outcomes are alcohol and drug knowledge and intentions, alcohol-related harms, binge drinking, cannabis use, well-being, empowerment, appreciation of cultural ersity, and truancy. The trial was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in January 2019, approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney (2020/039, April 2020), the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (1620/19, February 2020), the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (998, October 2021), and the ethics committees of each participating school, including the New South Wales Department of Education (2020170, June 2020), Catholic Education Western Australia (RP2020/39, November 2020), and the Queensland Department of Education (550/27/2390, August 2021). Projected dates of data collection are 2022-2024, and we expect to publish the results in 2025. A total of 24 schools have been recruited as of submission of the manuscript. This will be the first cluster randomized controlled trial of a culturally inclusive, school-based alcohol and drug prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth therefore, it has significant potential to address alcohol and other drug harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001038987 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380038& isReview=true PRR1-10.2196/34530
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-10-2020
Abstract: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability and mortality globally. In Australia, females are at heightened risk. This research explored the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of six key risk behaviors (physical inactivity, poor diet, recreational screen time, inadequate sleep, alcohol use, and smoking) among adolescent females and whether knowledge of health guidelines was associated with adherence. Adolescent females completed an anonymous online questionnaire (N = 687 Mage = 13.82). Logistic regression assessed the association between knowledge and adherence. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and three-step procedure identified risk behavior clusters and their correlates. Despite positive health self-ratings (77% good/very good), most participants reported insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA 89%), vegetable intake (89%), and excessive screen time (63%). Knowledge of guidelines was associated with adherence for MVPA, vegetable intake, sleep, and alcohol abstinence. Three classes emerged: “moderate risk” (76%), “relatively active, healthy eaters” (19%), and “excessive screen users” (5%). These risk-behavior clusters were associated with perceived value of academic achievement and physical wellbeing. Adolescent females commonly perceive they are in good health, despite engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Public health interventions should utilize effective behavior change strategies, adopt a multiple health behavior change approach (MHBC), and be tailored to specific risk profiles and values among females.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 23-03-2021
Abstract: he i Cracks in the Ice /i (CITI) community toolkit was developed to provide evidence-based, up-to-date information and resources about crystal meth hetamine to Australians. Given the high rates of internet use in the community and the potential for misinformation, CITI has the potential to play an important role in improving knowledge and challenging misconceptions surrounding crystal meth hetamine. his study aims to determine (1) whether the CITI toolkit is achieving its aim of disseminating evidence-based information and resources to people who use crystal meth hetamine, their family and friends, health professionals, and the general community and (2) examine the association between the use of CITI and the knowledge and attitudes about crystal meth hetamine. cross-sectional web-based survey, open to Australian residents (aged ≥18 years), was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. People who had previously visited the website (referred to as “website visitors” in this study) and those who had not (“naïve”) were recruited. At baseline, knowledge, attitudes, and demographics were assessed. CITI website visitors then completed a series of site evaluation questions, including the System Usability Scale (SUS), and naïve participants were asked to undertake a guided site tour of a replicated version of the site before completing the evaluation questions and repeating knowledge and attitude scales. f a total 2108 participants, 564 (26.7%) reported lifetime use of crystal meth hetamine, 434 (20.6%) were family/friends, 288 (13.7%) were health professionals, and 822 (38.9%) were community members. The average SUS score was 73.49 (SD 13.30), indicating good site usability. Health professionals reported significantly higher SUS scores than community members ( i P /i =.02) and people who used crystal meth hetamine ( i P /i & .001). Website visitors had significantly higher baseline knowledge than naïve participants ( i P /i & .001). Among naïve participants, knowledge scores increased following exposure to the website (mean 15.2, SE 0.05) compared to baseline (mean 14.4, SE 0.05 i P /i & .001). The largest shifts in knowledge were observed for items related to prevalence, legal issues, and the effects of the drug. Stigmatizing attitude scores among the naïve group were significantly lower following exposure to CITI (mean 41.97, SE 0.21) compared to baseline (mean 44.3, SE 0.21 i P /i & .001). his study provides an innovative evaluation of a national eHealth resource. CITI is achieving its aim of disseminating evidence-based, nonstigmatizing, and useful information and resources about crystal meth hetamine to key end user groups and has received good usability scores across its target groups. Interaction with CITI led to immediate improvements in knowledge about crystal meth hetamine and a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes. CITI demonstrates the important role of digital information and support platforms for translating evidence into practice and improving knowledge and reducing stigma.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-060309
Abstract: To examine changes in the prevalence of six key chronic disease risk factors (the “Big 6”), from before (2019) to during (2021) the COVID-19 pandemic, among a large and geographically erse s le of adolescents, and whether differences over time are associated with lockdown status and gender. Prospective cohort study. Three Australian states (New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia) spanning over 3000 km. 983 adolescents (baseline M age =12.6, SD=0.5, 54.8% girl) drawn from the control group of the Health4Life Study. The prevalence of physical inactivity, poor diet (insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, high sugar-sweetened beverage intake, high discretionary food intake), poor sleep, excessive recreational screen time, alcohol use and tobacco use. The prevalence of excessive recreational screen time (prevalence ratios (PR)=1.06, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.11), insufficient fruit intake (PR=1.50, 95% CI=1.26 to 1.79), and alcohol (PR=4.34, 95% CI=2.82 to 6.67) and tobacco use (PR=4.05 95% CI=1.86 to 8.84) increased over the 2-year period, with alcohol use increasing more among girls (PR=2.34, 95% CI=1.19 to 4.62). The prevalence of insufficient sleep declined across the full s le (PR=0.74, 95% CI=0.68 to 0.81) however, increased among girls (PR=1.24, 95% CI=1.10 to 1.41). The prevalence of high sugar-sweetened beverage (PR=0.61, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.83) and discretionary food consumption (PR=0.73, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.83) reduced among those subjected to stay-at-home orders, compared with those not in lockdown. Lifestyle risk behaviours, particularly excessive recreational screen time, poor diet, physical inactivity and poor sleep, are prevalent among adolescents. Young people must be supported to find ways to improve or maintain their health, regardless of the course of the pandemic. Targeted approaches to support groups that may be disproportionately impacted, such as adolescent girls, are needed. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000431123)
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-04-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00048674231165201
Abstract: Research shows highly palatable foods can elicit addictive eating behaviours or ‘food addiction’. Early adolescence is theorised to be a vulnerable period for the onset of addictive eating behaviours, yet minimal research has examined this. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of addictive eating behaviours in a large early adolescent s le. 6640 Australian adolescents (M age = 12.7 ± 0.5, 49%F) completed an online survey. Addictive eating was measured with the Child Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS-C). Negative-binomial generalised linear models examined associations between addictive eating symptoms and high psychological distress, energy drink consumption, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, alcohol use, and cigarette use. Mean YFAS-C symptom criteria count was 1.36 ± 1.47 (of 7). 18.3% of participants met 3+ symptoms, 7.5% endorsed impairment and 5.3% met the diagnostic threshold for food addiction. All examined behavioural and mental health variables were significantly associated with addictive eating symptoms. Effects were largest for high psychological distress and cigarette use with those exhibiting high psychological distress meeting 0.65 more criteria (95%CI = 0.58–0.72, p 0.001) and those who smoked a cigarette meeting 0.51 more criteria (95%CI = 0.26–0.76, p 0.001). High psychological distress and consumption of SSB and energy drinks remained significant when modelling all predictors together. In this large adolescent study, addictive eating symptoms were common. Further research should establish directionality and causal mechanisms behind the association between mental ill-health, alcohol and tobacco use, and addictive eating behaviours. Cross-disciplinary prevention initiatives that address shared underlying risk factors for addictive eating and mental ill-health may offer efficient yet substantial public health benefits.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291715002470
Abstract: Most empirical studies into the covariance structure of psychopathology have been confined to adults. This work is not developmentally informed as the meaning, age-of-onset, persistence and expression of disorders differ across the lifespan. This study investigates the underlying structure of adolescent psychopathology and associations between the psychopathological dimensions and sex and personality risk profiles for substance misuse and mental health problems. This study analyzed data from 2175 adolescents aged 13.3 years. Five dimensional models were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and the external validity was examined using a multiple-indicators multiple-causes model. A modified bifactor model, with three correlated specific factors (internalizing, externalizing, thought disorder) and one general psychopathology factor, provided the best fit to the data. Females reported higher mean levels of internalizing, and males reported higher mean levels of externalizing. No significant sex differences emerged in liability to thought disorder or general psychopathology. Liability to internalizing, externalizing, thought disorder and general psychopathology was characterized by a number of differences in personality profiles. This study is the first to identify a bifactor model including a specific thought disorder factor. The findings highlight the utility of transdiagnostic treatment approaches and the importance of restructuring psychopathology in an empirically based manner.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Katrina Champion.