Alerta Cannabis: A Tailored-Computer Web-Based Program for the Prevention of Cannabis Use in Adolescents: A...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Adolescent cannabis use is a significant public health concern in Spain, with initiation typically occurring around age 14.8.
• Lifetime prevalence of cannabis use rises sharply from 11.7% at age 14 to 51.5% by age 18.
• The overall prevalence of cannabis use in Spanish adolescents aged 14-18 is 28.6%, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative eHealth program, Alerta Cannabis, aimed at reducing cannabis use among adolescents in Spain.
• To leverage the I-Change Model to foster awareness, motivation, and action regarding cannabis consumption in a school setting.

Main Methods:

• A computer-tailored eHealth program (Alerta Cannabis) was developed using the I-Change Model, incorporating text feedback, animations, and gamification.
• A cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT) will be conducted with secondary school students in Western and Eastern Andalusia, Spain.
• Participants will be randomized into an experimental group receiving the Alerta Cannabis intervention or a control group, with data collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The primary outcomes measured are the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use, 30-day use, and 6-month use.
• Secondary outcomes include the intention to use cannabis.
• The study will assess the program's effectiveness in reducing cannabis use prevalence at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The study evaluates an innovative eHealth program designed to decrease adolescent cannabis use in Spain.
• Findings aim to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based prevention interventions for school settings.
• If effective, Alerta Cannabis could serve as a scalable model for national and international cannabis use prevention.