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Published on: January 5, 2018
A computerized harm minimization prevention program for alcohol misuse and related harms: randomized controlled
Laura Vogl1, Maree Teesson, Gavin Andrews
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. l.vogl@unsw.edu.au
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|April 2, 2009
Summary
A computer-based harm minimization program effectively increased alcohol knowledge and reduced risky drinking behaviors in adolescent girls. However, the intervention showed no significant behavioral effects for adolescent boys, highlighting a challenge in reducing alcohol-related harms in males.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Use Prevention
Background:
- Hazardous alcohol use is a major global health concern for adolescents and young adults.
- Effective prevention interventions for adolescent alcohol misuse are limited.
- This study addresses the need for innovative approaches to reduce alcohol-related harms in young people.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel computerized harm minimization intervention.
- To reduce alcohol misuse and associated harms among adolescents.
- To assess changes in knowledge, alcohol use, harms, and expectancies.
Main Methods:
- Cluster randomized controlled trial involving 1466 year 8 students (13 years) in Australian high schools.
- Intervention group received a six-session, computer-delivered harm minimization program via a teenage drama format.
- Control group received usual classes.
Main Results:
- The computerized program significantly increased alcohol-related knowledge and decreased positive social expectations of alcohol use.
- For females, the intervention led to decreased alcohol consumption, reduced alcohol-related harms, and less frequent excessive drinking.
- No significant behavioral effects were observed for males.
Conclusions:
- A harm minimization strategy delivered via computer is effective in educating adolescents about alcohol risks.
- The intervention successfully reduced risky drinking and harms among adolescent girls.
- Addressing and reducing alcohol-related problems among adolescent boys remains a significant challenge.
