CLIMATE Schools: alcohol module: cross-validation of a school-based prevention programme for alcohol misuse.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to conduct a cross-validation trial of the efficacy of a computerized school-based intervention for alcohol misuse in adolescents.

METHOD

A cluster randomized control trial was carried out. Intervention and control groups were assessed at baseline, immediately after and 6 months after the intervention. A total of 764 Year 8 students from 10 independent secondary schools in Sydney, Australia participated in the study. Half of the schools were randomly allocated to the computerized prevention programme (n=397), and half to their usual classes (n=367). The six-lesson computerized intervention was evidence and curriculum based while having a focus on harm-minimization. Knowledge, expectancies, alcohol consumption (frequency, quantity and binging), patterns of use, and harms associated with one's own use of alcohol were assessed.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in knowledge regarding alcohol use at immediate and 6 month follow up. Average weekly alcohol consumption was reduced immediately after the intervention. No differences between groups were found on alcohol expectancies, frequency of drinking to excess and harms related to alcohol use over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results support the Climate Management and Treatment Education (CLIMATE) Schools: alcohol module as an effective intervention in increasing alcohol knowledge and reducing alcohol use in the short term.