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Can Intersectoral Interventions Reduce Substance Use in Adolescence? Evidence From a Multicentre Randomized
Sara Valente de Almeida1,2, Rafael Correa3,4,5, Judite Gonçalves2
1School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Adolescents co-developing substance use prevention activities showed significantly lower rates of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use. This participatory approach is key for effective adolescent substance use reduction.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Use Prevention
Background:
- Adolescent substance use is a significant public health concern.
- Intersectoral collaborations are crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Community-based participatory approaches may enhance intervention efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an intersectoral intervention on adolescent substance use.
- To assess the effectiveness of co-developing prevention activities with adolescents.
- To measure the effects on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis consumption.
Main Methods:
- Intervention implemented in a tri-border region (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina) from 2017-2019.
- Involved 23 institutions and 880 adolescents in treatment and control groups.
- Difference-in-differences models used to analyze the impact of co-development.
Main Results:
- Co-development participants were 8 pp less likely to use tobacco/cannabis and 13 pp less likely to use alcohol (p < 0.01).
- Frequent cannabis consumption decreased among users in the intervention group.
- Peer consumption frequency strongly correlated with individual substance use.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent co-development of prevention activities is effective in reducing substance use.
- Participatory approaches enhance intervention outcomes during adolescence.
- Local familiarity of institutions and implementers with the target population is beneficial.
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