Effectiveness of Youth Risk Prevention Programs When Virtually Adapted

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Substance Use Prevention

Background:

• COVID-19 necessitated rapid adaptation of youth risk prevention programs to virtual formats.
• The comparative effectiveness of virtual versus in-person youth programming remains under-examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of shifting a youth substance use prevention program from in-person to virtual delivery.
• To compare program logistics, reach to at-risk youth, and risk reduction between virtual and in-person formats.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of survey data from two cohorts of rural high school students: 2020 (in-person) and 2021 (virtual).
• Analysis of facilitator questionnaires and observation reports to assess virtual program implementation challenges.
• Statistical comparison of demographic characteristics, substance use, sexual behaviors, and risk intentions between cohorts.

Main Results:

• In-person participants reported higher rates of substance abuse and risky behaviors compared to virtual participants.
• Virtual program participants showed increased rates of unprotected sex and future intentions for unprotected sex.
• Neither program demonstrated significant reduction in risk intermediary factors; positive attitudes toward substance use increased in the virtual group.
• Virtual implementation faced challenges including low attendance and technology issues.

Conclusions:

• Transitioning in-person youth prevention programs to virtual formats may reduce effectiveness in reaching at-risk youth and mitigating risks.
• Logistical challenges are significant barriers to successful virtual program implementation.
• Further research is needed to optimize evidence-based practices for virtual delivery modalities in youth prevention programs.