We randomized 24 schools (n=6700 consented students, 75% of eligible population) in 3 metro areas to conditions to test the hypothesis that an abbreviated version of "Skills for Adolesence (SFA)," a multicomponent, universal curriculum is more effective than standard care in deterring/delaying substance use from 6-9th grades. Intermediate posttest data (7th grade) from 84% of the eligible baseline sample showed no baseline drug use or drug use by condition differences in attrition. Initiation of "ever" and 30-day use for baseline non-users, and changes in 30-day use for baseline users for each condition (adjusted least square means)were compared by mixed model regression to control for school clustering and covariates. For pretest non-users, ever use of marijuana was lower in SFA than control schools (9.1% vs 11.9%, P<0.01, one-tailed); current marijuana use was lower (4.7% vs 7.5%, P<0.05, one-tailed); and there was lower binge drinking (5.8% vs 7.5%, P<0.05, one-tailed). There were no differences in ever or current smoking by the end of the 7th grade. For baseline users, there were significant increases in all substances used in SFA and control schools over time, but no differences in the rate of increase between SFA and control schools. Thus, preliminary analyses suggest the SFA program helps delay self-reported marijuana use and binge drinking (>2 drinks/time), but not cigarette use. There do not appear to be similar salutary effects on drug use among those who began by 6th grade. School- and student-level implementation analyses now underway should clarify and extend the initially promising findings.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Behavioral Research, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Quest International Foundation, Newark, OH
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.