Predictors of Youth Accessibility for a Mobile Phone-Based Life Skills Training Program for Addiction Prevention

Exploration of Effective Substance Use Relapse Prevention Programmes for the Youth: An Integrative Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Youth substance use has been associated with recurrent episodes of substance misuse. A large body of research has shown that relapsing into substance use is still a significant obstacle that prevents people who use substances and want to stop from recovering and abstaining. The objective of this evaluation was to locate, compile and summarise the results of all pertinent research on youth substance use relapse prevention programmes.

METHOD

An integrative literature review (ILR) was conducted, guided by Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005, 52, 546), following a step-by-step guide for conducting an ILR. The PRISMA guidelines were used in the selection process.

RESULTS

Twenty-three papers met the eligibility criteria, and three were added from grey literature. Three themes identified in the studies included in the review: Continuing care, technology-mediated recovery management interventions and relapse prevention through developmentally engaging activities.

DISCUSSION

The review identified that a successful substance use relapse prevention programme for the youth requires continued care following discharge from hospital treatment. The care encompasses posttreatment check-ups, assessments and linkages to treatment in which a suspected/potential relapse is referred back to treatment to prevent its severity or occurrence.

App-Based Addiction Prevention at German Vocational Schools: Implementation and Reach for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

This article examines the implementation, participation rates, and potential determinants of participation in the digital addiction prevention program "ready4life." A two-arm cluster-randomized trial recruited German vocational students via class-based strategies. Intervention group received 16 weeks of in-app coaching; the control group received health behavior information, with coaching offered after 12 months. Potential determinants of participation were analyzed based on class and individual characteristics. Out of 525 contacted schools, 35 participated, enrolling 376 classes. Implementation during the pandemic required flexible adjustments, with 49.7% of introductions conducted in person, 43.1% digitally via online streaming, and 7.2% received a video link via email. Despite challenges, 72.3% of the vocational students downloaded the app, and 46.7% gave informed consent. Participation rates were highest among (associate) professionals, vocational grammar school classes, classes introduced by females, younger individuals, members of the project team, and classes introduced face-to-face. Female gender, lower social competencies, lifetime cannabis use, higher problematic internet use, and higher perceived stress were associated with higher individual participation. The study highlights the importance of proactive outreach and personalized interventions for addiction prevention programs in vocational schools. While reached students aligned with the aims of the app, tailored recruitment strategies could enhance engagement among under-represented groups. The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00022328; registration date 09.10.2020.

Evaluation of an Educational Intervention Based on Theory of Planned Behavior to Reduce Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Drug Addicts Receiving Methadone: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Drug addiction can lead to suicidal ideation or suicide attempt so that half of those who attempt suicide have a history of substance abuse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on reducing suicidal ideation and suicide attempt of addicts.

METHODS

A longitudinal quasi-experimental educational intervention was conducted on 200 methadone-treated addicts with suicidal ideation under the auspices of government addiction centers of Shiraz city from 2021 to 2022. Baseline data on demographic characteristics, suicidal ideation, and TPB questionnaire were collected from two groups at the beginning of the study and then three months after the intervention. The experiment group received educational intervention including sessions of individual and group counseling, training and organizational supports. The questionnaire was completed by both the experimental and control groups before the educational intervention and three months after the educational intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software through independent t-test, Chi-square and paired t-test (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean age of addicts in the experimental and control groups was 38.80 ± 11.64 and 39.41 ± 11.18 years, respectively (p = 0.206). 22% of the experimental group and 18% of the control group had a history of suicide. According to the results, there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control before the educational intervention, however, the mentioned variables increased significantly in the experimental group three months after the educational intervention. There was no significant difference in suicide attempt and suicidal ideation between the experimental and control groups before the educational intervention, however, there was a significant change in the experimental group after the educational intervention.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study showed the effect of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt of addicts, thus confirming the effectiveness of the TPB-based intervention on reducing suicide of addicts.