Computer-delivered, parent-involvement intervention to prevent substance use among adolescent girls

Abstract

Objective To test a computer-delivered program for preventing substance use among adolescent girls. Methods Randomly, 916 girls aged 12.76 ± 1.0 years and their mothers were assigned to an intervention arm or to a test-only control arm. Intervention-arm dyads engaged in exercises to improve the mother–daughter relationship, build girls' substance use prevention skills, and reduce associated risk factors. Study outcomes were girls' and mothers' substance use and mediator variables related to girls' substance use risk and protective factors. The study was conducted between September 2006 and February 2009 with participants from greater New York City, including southern Connecticut and eastern New Jersey. Results At 2-year follow-up and relative to control-arm girls, intervention-arm girls reported lower relevant risk factors and higher protective factors as well as less past 30-day use of alcohol ( p < 0.006), marijuana ( p < 0.016), illicit prescription drugs ( p < 0.03), and inhalants ( p < 0.024). Intervention-arm mothers showed more positive 2-year outcomes than control-arm mothers on variables linked with reduced risks of substance use among their daughters, and mothers reported lower rates of weekly alcohol consumption ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions A computer-delivered prevention program for adolescent girls and their mothers was effective in changing girls' risk and protective factors and girls' and mothers' substance use behavior.