Preventing substance use among early Asian-American adolescent girls: initial evaluation of a web-based, mother-daughter program

J Adolesc Health. 2010 Nov;47(5):529-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.03.011. Epub 2010 May 10.

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.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian*
  • Child
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Family*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • United States
  • User-Computer Interface