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Published on: February 5, 2018
Effectiveness of a universal internet-based prevention program for ecstasy and new psychoactive substances: a cluster
Katrina E Champion1, Nicola C Newton1, Lexine A Stapinski1
1National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
This study found that an online drug prevention program reduced students' intentions to use new psychoactive substances (NPS). The program also improved knowledge of ecstasy and NPS in the short term.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Abuse Prevention
Background:
- New psychoactive substances (NPS) and ecstasy (MDMA) pose significant risks to adolescent health.
- Effective, scalable prevention strategies are needed to address youth substance use.
- Online interventions offer a promising avenue for widespread school-based drug education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the online Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module.
- To assess the program's impact on students' intentions to use ecstasy and NPS.
- To measure changes in knowledge and lifetime use of these substances.
Main Methods:
- A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 1126 secondary school students in Australia.
- Intervention group received the 4-week online program; control group received usual health education.
- Outcomes measured via surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and 6 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significantly lower intentions to use NPS at 12 months compared to the control group.
- No significant difference in intentions to use ecstasy between groups at 12 months.
- Significant improvements in NPS and ecstasy knowledge were observed in the intervention group post-test.
Conclusions:
- The online Climate Schools program appears effective in reducing intentions to use NPS among adolescents.
- The program successfully increased knowledge regarding ecstasy and NPS in the short term.
- Universal online school-based programs can be a valuable tool for drug prevention in young people.
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