Citation

Fang L, Schinke SP, Cole KCA. J. Adolesc. Health 2010; 47(5): 529-532.

Affiliation

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.03.011

PMID

20970090

PMCID

PMC2964276

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy and generalizability of a family-oriented, web-based substance use prevention program to young Asian-American adolescent girls. METHODS: Between September and December 2007, a total of 108 Asian-American girls aged 10-14 years and their mothers were recruited through online advertisements and from community service agencies. Mother-daughter dyads were randomly assigned to an intervention arm or to a test-only control arm. After pretest measurement, intervention-arm dyads completed a 9-session web-based substance use prevention program. Guided by family interaction theory, the program aimed to improve girls' psychological states, strengthen substance use prevention skills, increase mother-daughter interactions, enhance maternal monitoring, and prevent girls' substance use. Study outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: At posttest, relative to control-arm girls, intervention-arm girls showed less depressed mood; reported improved self-efficacy and refusal skills; had higher levels of mother-daughter closeness, mother-daughter communication, and maternal monitoring; and reported more family rules against substance use. Intervention-arm girls also reported fewer instances of alcohol, marijuana, and illicit prescription drug use, and expressed lower intentions to use substances in the future. CONCLUSIONS: A family-oriented, web-based substance use prevention program was efficacious in preventing substance use behavior among early Asian-American adolescent girls.

Language: en