The Influence of Multimedia-Based Parent and Adolescent Interventions of Substance Abuse Among Poor Youth
Abstract
Several aspects of an adolescent's life have been shown to be influential in predicting their substance use. However, reaching specific areas of an adolescent's life has been hampered by various environmental and cultural barriers. Today, it may be possible to reach an adolescent, and those around them, with multi-media technologies. This study examines the effectiveness of using multimedia-based interactive technologies coupled with conventional interventions to prevent adolescent substance use. Computer Assisted Skills Training (CAST) interventions with youth, and video and face-to-face interventions with parents, were used to disseminate a science-based substance use prevention program. The enhancement of individual, peer, family, and school protective factors, and the reduction in the incidence of adolescent substance use among low-income African American, Latino, and White adolescents was evaluated. Study participants were predominantly 9-13 years old from low-income, high-risk families that utilized community service organizations in the greater New York City area. Sites included 17 Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 6 Police Athletic Leagues, 9 United Neighborhood House organizations, 5 Independent Service Agencies, and 1 YMCA. Using an experimental design, study sites were stratified by race and then randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) no intervention control group, (2) CAST only, and (3) parent-CAST group. Adolescents in the parent-CAST group demonstrated improved protective factors and reduced entry level and middle risk drug use compared with the other two study groups. The control group had fewest protective factors and greatest entry level and middle risk substance use. Dose analysis of CAST intervention and parent training revealed the CAST intervention reduced the initiation of substance use. There is anecdotal support that the CAST and parent interventions collectively provided adolescents with greater protection from substance use. 104 r7
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418324
Entities
People
- Alfred J. Ozanian
Organizations
- Columbia University