@article{ref1,
title="Short term effects of the REAL media e-learning media literacy substance prevention curriculum: an RCT of adolescents disseminated through a community organization",
journal="Drug and alcohol dependence",
year="2020",
author="Greene, Kathryn and Ray, Anne E. and Choi, Hye Jeong and Glenn, Shannon D. and Lyons, Rachel E. and Hecht, Michael L.",
volume="214",
number="",
pages="e108170-e108170",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of testing an e-learning program to reduce adolescent substance use and abuse. Early initiation of substance use is linked to a variety of negative outcomes, thus effective intervention programs are needed. One approach is to use media literacy to capitalize on adolescents' immersion with media in a variety of forms. We developed, implemented, and tested an engaging substance use prevention program by collaborating with a youth-oriented community partner (4-H).   METHODS: 639 middle adolescents from nine U.S. states participated in an RCT of REAL media. Participants completed a series of online surveys and were randomized to use an online substance prevention program (REAL media) or serve as control (delayed program use). Self-report surveys were administered at three points in time. This short-term evaluation uses data from the pretest (Time 1) and short-term posttest three-month surveys, which measured demographics, self-efficacy to counterargue, and injunctive and descriptive substance use norms.   RESULTS: Participants who completed the REAL media program reported increased self-efficacy to counterargue and decreased positive injunctive norms compared to control participants who did not complete the program. No significant differences were observed for descriptive norms.   CONCLUSIONS: We found support for the REAL media program in changing key predictors of youth substance use demonstrating (1) the efficacy of media literacy interventions targeting adolescents and (2) that e-learning substance use prevention efforts can be adapted for and implemented through community organizations.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0376-8716",
doi="10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108170",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108170"
}