Paying attention to prevention: An Internet-based framework to address alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy and new psychoactive substance use

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Copyright: Champion, Katrina
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Abstract
Alcohol and cannabis, the most commonly used substances in most developed countries, are associated with a range of adverse consequences. Although less prevalent, the use of ecstasy and new psychoactive substances (NPS) that mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs, are associated with significant harms. As such, early and effective prevention is critical. School is the ideal setting to deliver prevention, however existing programs are limited in their efficacy, sustainability and ability to engage students. In addition, there are no existing evidence-based prevention programs for NPS. The overall aim of this thesis was to advance responses to school-based prevention for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use by investigating the utility of the Internet in overcoming these limitations. A systematic review demonstrated the efficacy of computer- and Internet-based prevention programs and highlighted a lack of replication in the field. Building on this, the existing Internet-based Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis course was validated through a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) in 13 schools (N=1103 students). The intervention was effective in increasing alcohol and cannabis knowledge, reducing alcohol intentions and was well-liked by teachers and students, thereby providing support for the use of the Internet to deliver AOD prevention. Using the Climate Schools framework as a basis, the first universal Internet-based prevention program for ecstasy and NPS was developed in close consultation with students and health professionals. To determine the efficacy of the Climate Schools: Ecstasy & Emerging Drugs module a cluster RCT was run in 11 schools (N=1126 students). Results indicated that ecstasy and NPS use was low among students, and the intervention was effective in increasing short-term knowledge about ecstasy and NPS and reducing future intentions to use NPS. Overall, this thesis makes a unique contribution by empirically demonstrating the value of the Internet in overcoming barriers to effective school-based AOD prevention. Of most importance, the first online school-based prevention program for ecstasy and NPS was developed and evaluated. Due to their online and universal nature, the Climate Schools programs can be readily and sustainably implemented and have the potential to make a broad impact in Australia and worldwide.
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Author(s)
Champion, Katrina
Supervisor(s)
Newton, Nicola
Teesson, Maree
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Publication Year
2015
Resource Type
Thesis
Degree Type
PhD Doctorate
UNSW Faculty
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