Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Universality Properties of School-Based Preventive Intervention Targeted at Cannabis Use

  • Published:
Prevention Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of school-based preventive intervention on cannabis use in Czech adolescents with different levels of risk factors and provide evidence of its universality. A randomized controlled prevention trial with six waves was conducted over a period of 33 months. We used a two-level logistic random-intercept model for panel data; we first looked at the statistical significance of the effect of the intervention on cannabis use, controlling for the characteristics of the children and time dummies. Then we analyzed the effects of the interactions between the intervention and the characteristics of the children on cannabis use and related it to the definition of universal preventive interventions. The setting for the study was in basic schools in the Czech Republic in the years 2007–2010. A total of 1,874 sixth-graders (mean age 11.82 years) who completed the baseline testing. According to our results, the prevention intervention was effective. We found all the selected characteristics of the children to be relevant in relation to cannabis use, except their relationships with their friends. We showed empirically that the intervention is universal in two dimensions for the selected characteristics of the children. First, all adolescents who undergo the intervention are expected to benefit. Second, with respect to the effect of the intervention on cannabis use, the total level of individual risk of cannabis use is superior to the composition of the risk factors in the individual risk profile. We present indicative evidence that the drug prevention intervention may be considered a true universal preventive intervention.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Imputation of missing data did not affect any of the outcomes reported.

References

  • Allen, J. P., Chango, J., Szwedo, D., Schad, M., & Marston, E. (2012). Predictors of susceptibility to peer influence regarding substance use in adolescence. Child Development, 83, 337–350. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01682.x.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Becoña, E., Martínez, Ú., Calafat, A., Fernández-Hermid, J. R., Juan, M., Sumnall, H., & Gabrhelík, R. (2013). Parental permissiveness, control, and affect and drug use among adolescents. Psicothema, 25, 292–298. doi:10.7334/psicothema2012.294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonn-Miller, M. O., Zvolensky, M. J., Bernstein, A., & Stickle, T. R. (2008). Marijuana coping motives interact with marijuana use frequency to predict anxious arousal, panic related catastrophic thinking, and worry among current marijuana users. Depression and Anxiety, 25, 862–873. doi:10.1002/da.20370.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Branstetter, S. A., Furman, W., & Cottrell, L. (2009). The influence of representations of attachment, maternal-adolescent relationship quality, and maternal monitoring on adolescent substance use: A 2-year longitudinal examination. Child Development, 80, 1448–1462. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01344.x.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brook, J. S., Balka, E. B., & Whiteman, M. (1999). The risks for late adolescence of early adolescent marijuana use. American Journal of Public Health, 89, 1549–1554.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brook, J. S., Brook, D. W., Arencibia-Mireles, O., Richter, L., & Whiteman, M. (2001). Risk factors for adolescent marijuana use across cultures and across time. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 162, 357–374. doi:10.1080/00221320109597489.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, C. H., Wang, W., Kellam, S. G., Muthén, B. O., Petras, H., Toyinbo, P., & Windham, A. (2008). Methods for testing theory and evaluating impact in randomized field trials: Intent-to-treat analyses for integrating the perspectives of person, place, and time. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 95, S74–S104. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.11.013.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Charvát, M., Jurystová, L., & Miovský, M. (2012). Four-level model of qualifications for the practitioners of the primary prevention of risk behaviour in the school system. Adiktologie, 12, 190–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crano, W. D., Siegel, J. T., Alvaro, E. M., Lac, A., & Hemovich, V. (2008). The at-risk adolescent marijuana nonuser: Expanding the standard distinction. Prevention Science, 9, 129–137. doi:10.1007/s11121-008-0090-0.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Creemers, H. E., Dijkstra, J. K., Vollebergh, W. A., Ormel, J., Verhulst, F. C., & Huizink, A. C. (2010). Predicting life-time and regular cannabis use during adolescence; the roles of temperament and peer substance use: The TRAILS study. Addiction, 105, 699–708. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02819.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crumley, F. E. (1990). Substance abuse and adolescent suicidal behavior. JAMA, 263, 3051–3056.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dane, A. V., & Schneider, B. H. (1998). Program integrity in primary and early secondary prevention: Are implementation effects out of control? Clinical Psychology Review, 18, 23–45.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Diego, M. A., Field, T. M., & Sanders, C. E. (2003). Academic performance, popularity, and depression predict adolescent substance use. Adolescence, 38(149), 35–42.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eisen, M., Zellman, G. L., & Murray, L. M. (2003). Evaluating the Lions–Quest “Skills for Adolescence” drug education program Second-year behavior outcomes. Addictive Behaviors, 28, 883–897. doi:10.1016/S0306-4603(01)00292-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, D. S., & Mihalic, S. (2004). Issues in disseminating and replicating effective prevention programs. Prevention Science, 5, 47–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito-Smythers, C., & Spirito, A. (2004). Adolescent substance use and suicidal behavior: A review with implications for treatment research. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 28, 77S–88S.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., & Boden, J. M. (2008). Cannabis use and later life outcomes. Addiction, 103, 969–976. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02221.x. discussion 977-968.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flay, B. R., Biglan, A., Boruch, R. F., Castro, F. G., Gottfredson, D., Kellam, S., & Ji, P. (2005). Standards of evidence: Criteria for efficacy, effectiveness and dissemination. Prevention Science, 6, 151–175.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Foxcroft, D. R., & Tsertsvadze, A. (2011). Universal multi-component prevention programs for alcohol misuse in young people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 009310.001002/14651858.CD14009307

  • Gabrhelik, R., Duncan, A., Miovsky, M., Furr-Holden, C. D., Stastna, L., & Jurystova, L. (2012). "Unplugged": A school-based randomized control trial to prevent and reduce adolescent substance use in the Czech Republic. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 124, 79–87. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.12.010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh-Dastidar, B., Longshore, D. L., Ellickson, P. L., & McCaffrey, D. F. (2004). Modifying pro-drug risk factors in adolescents: Results from project ALERT. Health Education and Behavior, 31, 318–334.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, R. (1987). An operational classification of disease prevention. In J. A. Steinberg & M. M. Silverman (Eds.), Preventing mental disorders (pp. 20–26). Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, K. W., Botvin, G. J., Nichols, T. R., & Doyle, M. M. (2003). Effectiveness of a universal drug abuse prevention approach for youth at high risk for substance use initiation. Preventive Medicine, 36, 1–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hibell, B., Guttormsson, U., Ahlström, S., Balakireva, O., Bjarnason, T., Kokkevi, A., & Kraus, L. (2012). The 2011 ESPAD report: Substance use among students in 36 European countries. Stockholm, Sweden: The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN) and the Pompidou Group at the Council of Europe.

  • Hill, L. G., Rosenman, R., Tennekoon, V., & Mandal, B. (2013). Selection effects and prevention program outcomes. Prevention Science. doi:10.1007/s11121-012-0342-x.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, L. D., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2013). Monitoring the future national results on drug use: 2012 overview, key findings on adolescent drug use. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobus, K., & Henry, D. B. (2010). Interplay of network position and peer substance use in early adolescent cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 30, 225–245. doi:10.1177/0272431609333300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Longshore, D., Ellickson, P. L., McCaffrey, D. F., & St Clair, P. A. (2007). School-based drug prevention among at-risk adolescents: Effects of ALERT plus. Health Education and Behavior, 34, 651–668. doi:10.1177/1090198106294895.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mason, M. J., Mennis, J., Linker, J., Bares, C., & Zaharakis, N. (2013). Peer attitudes effects on adolescent substance use: The moderating role of race and gender. Prevention Science, Feb 13. [Epub ahead of print]

  • McGrath, Y., Sumnall, H., McVeigh, J., & Bellis, M. (2006). Drug use prevention among young people: A review of reviews. London, UK: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miovsky, M., Stastna, L., Gabrhelik, R., & Jurystova, L. (2011). Evaluation of school-based preventive interventions in the Czech Republic: Examples of good practice. Adiktologie, 11, 236–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mrazek, P. J., & Haggerty, R. J. (1994). Reducing risks for mental disorders: Frontiers for preventive intervention research. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muscat, R. (2002). Students survey in secondary schools: Malta 1999. Malta: Agency against Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oesterle, S., Hawkins, J. D., Fagan, S. A., Abbott, R. D., & Catalano, R. F. (2010). Testing the universality of the effects of the communities that care prevention system for preventing adolescent drug use and delinquency. Prevention Science, 11, 411–423. doi:10.1007/s11121-010-0178-1.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perez, A., Ariza, C., Sanchez-Martinez, F., & Nebot, M. (2010). Cannabis consumption initiation among adolescents: A longitudinal study. Addictive Behaviors, 35, 129–134. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.09.018.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rabe-Hesketh, S., & Skrondal, A. (2012). Multilevel and longitudinal modeling using Stata (3rd ed.). College Station, TX: Stata Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaub, M., Gmel, G., Annaheim, B., Mueller, M., & Schwappach, D. (2010). Leisure time activities that predict initiation, progression and reduction of cannabis use: A prospective, population-based panel survey. Drug and Alcohol Review, 29, 378–384. doi:10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00156.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shedler, J., & Block, J. (1990). Adolescent drug use and psychological health—A longitudinal inquiry. American Psychologist, 45, 612–630. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.45.5.612.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sloboda, Z., Stephens, R. C., Stephens, P. C., Grey, S. F., Teasdale, B., Hawthorne, R. D., & Marquette, J. F. (2009). The adolescent substance abuse prevention study: A randomized field trial of a universal substance abuse prevention program. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 102, 1–10. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.01.015.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sloboda, Z., Glantz, M. D., & Tarter, R. E. (2012). Revisiting the concepts of risk and protective factors for understanding the etiology and development of substance use and substance use disorders: Implications for prevention. Substance Use and Misuse, 47, 944–962. doi:10.3109/10826084.2012.663280.

  • Spoth, R., Shin, C., Guyll, M., Redmond, C., & Azevedo, K. (2006). Universality of effects: An examination of the comparability of long-term family intervention effects on substance use across risk-related subgroups. Prevention Science, 7, 209–224.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Storr, C. L., Ialongo, N. S., Kellam, S. G., & Anthony, J. C. (2002). A randomized controlled trial of two primary school intervention strategies to prevent early onset tobacco smoking. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 66, 51–60. doi:10.1016/s0376-8716(01)00184-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sussman, S., Earleywine, M., Wills, T., Cody, C., Biglan, T., Dent, C. W., & Newcomb, M. D. (2004). The motivation, skills, and decision-making model of “drug abuse” prevention. Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 1971–2016.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. (2003). School-based drug education: A guide for practitioners and the wider community. Vienna, Austria: United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • van den Bree, M. B. M., & Pickworth, W. B. (2005). Risk factors predicting changes in marijuana involvement in teenagers. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 311–319. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.3.311.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vigna-Taglianti, F., Vadrucci, S., Faggiano, F., Burkhart, G., Siliquini, R., Galanti, M. R., & EU-Dap Study Group. (2009). Is universal prevention against youths' substance misuse really universal? Gender-specific effects in the EU-Dap school-based prevention trial. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 63, 722–728. doi:10.1136/jech.2008.081513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • von Sydow, K., Lieb, R., Pfister, H., Hofler, M., & Wittchen, H. U. (2002). What predicts incident use of cannabis and progression to abuse and dependence? A 4-year prospective examination of risk factors in a community sample of adolescents and young adults. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 68, 49–64. doi:10.1016/s0376-8716(02)00102-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J., Simons-Morton, B. G., Farhart, T., & Luk, J. W. (2009). Socio-demographic variability in adolescent substance use: Mediation by parents and peers. Prevention Science, 10, 387–396. doi:10.1007/s11121-009-0141-1.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, J. W., Merrill, V., & Akagha, K. (2011). Substance use and its relationship to family functioning and self-image in adolescents. Journal of Drug Education, 41, 79–97. doi:10.2190/DE.41.1.e.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic grant no. 13-23290S and Charles University in Prague (PRVOUK-P03/LF1/9).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinarska 4, 120 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic

    Michal Miovský, Hana Voňková, Roman Gabrhelík & Lenka Šťastná

  2. Faculty of Education, Institute for Research and Development of Education, Charles University in Prague, Myslikova 7, Prague 1, 110 00, Czech Republic

    Hana Voňková

Authors
  1. Michal Miovský
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hana Voňková
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Roman Gabrhelík
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Lenka Šťastná
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roman Gabrhelík.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Miovský, M., Voňková, H., Gabrhelík, R. et al. Universality Properties of School-Based Preventive Intervention Targeted at Cannabis Use. Prev Sci 16, 189–199 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-013-0453-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-013-0453-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation