Universal Internet-based prevention for alcohol and cannabis use reduces truancy, psychological distress and moral disengagement: a cluster randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
A universal Internet-based preventive intervention has been shown to reduce alcohol and cannabis use. The aim of this study was to examine if this program could also reduce risk-factors associated with substance use in adolescents.


METHODS
A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in Sydney, Australia in 2007-2008 to assess the effectiveness of the Internet-based Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis course. The evidence-based course, aimed at reducing alcohol and cannabis use, consists of two sets of six lessons delivered approximately six months apart. A total of 764 students (mean 13.1years) from 10 secondary schools were randomly allocated to receive the preventive intervention (n=397, five schools), or their usual health classes (n=367, five schools) over the year. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately post, and six and twelve months following the intervention on their levels of truancy, psychological distress and moral disengagement.


RESULTS
Compared to the control group, students in the intervention group showed significant reductions in truancy, psychological distress and moral disengagement up to twelve months following completion of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
These intervention effects indicate that Internet-based preventive interventions designed to prevent alcohol and cannabis use can concurrently reduce risk-factors associated with substance use in adolescents.


BACKGROUND
Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN: 012607000312448.
NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. Electronic address: n.newton@unsw.edu.au.
Nicola C
NC
Newton
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Gavin
G
Andrews
NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Katrina E
KE
Champion
NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Maree
M
Teesson
D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009014:Morals; D009517:New South Wales; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012572:School Health Services; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
Alcohol; Cannabis; Internet; Moral disengagement; Prevention; Psychological distress; Truancy