Peter Lang

A controlled trial of an internet-based intervention program for cannabis users.

In the last decade, several programs for the treatment of cannabis-related disorders were developed. Until now, no information is available on the efficacy of Internet-based counseling approaches for this target group. This article describes the evaluation of quit the shit, a web-based intervention developed to help young people to quit or reduce their cannabis use significantly. Cannabis users seeking web-based treatment were included in a two-arm controlled trial conducted on a website for drug-related information and prevention. After the baseline assessment, members of the treatment condition were randomized to a 50-day intervention program. Other trial participants were put on a waiting list. A post-test was conducted 3 months after randomization. Of all 1,292 subjects included in the trial, a total of 206 participants took part at the post-test. Per-protocol- and intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. Members of the treatment condition showed a significantly stronger reduction in cannabis use (primary outcome) than the control group. In the per-protocol analyses, moderate-to-strong effects were found for the reduction of the frequency and the reduction of the quantity of consumed cannabis. Small-to-moderate effects were observed on the secondary outcomes (use-related self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction). Despite limitations concerning the interpretation of the results, the intervention seems to offer an effective treatment option for persons with cannabis-related problems.

Bestimmung der konkurrenten Validität des CRAFFT-d Ein Screeninginstrument für problematischen Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen

Fragestellung: Uberpruft wurde, wie gut der CRAFFT-d problematischen Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen identifizieren kann. Methodik: Die Kriteriumsvaliditat des CRAFFT-d wurde anhand eines zweiten Tests erfasst. Parallel zum CRAFFT-d wurde der Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) verwendet. Es wurde uberpruft, in wie weit die erzielten Urteile ubereinstimmen. Die Instrumente wurden im Rahmen der Webseite www.drugcom.de («check your drinking») eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Von den 12250 befragten Jugendlichen wiesen 54.2 % nach dem AUDIT und 63.6 % nach dem CRAFFT-d einen problematischen Alkoholkonsum auf. Die Testergebnisse zeigen eine hohe Ubereinstimmung (Phi φ = .57; χ² 3978.671**, df = 1, p > .001). Bei einem Cut-off-Wert von 2 Punkten erzielte der CRAFFT-d eine Sensitivitat von 88.8 % und eine Spezifitat von 66.2 %. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung legen nahe, dass der CRAFFT-d ein geeignetes Instrument zur Fruherkennung von problematischem Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen sein ka...AIMnThe aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the CRAFFT-d alcohol abuse screening test for adolescents.nnnMETHODnThis criterion-related validity study compared the decisions of the CRAFFT-d with the decisions of the concurrently administered Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data was obtained from an online questionnaire including CRAFFT-d and AUDIT.nnnRESULTSnOf the 12250 participants, 54.2 % were found to have an alcohol use disorder due to the AUDIT. CRAFFT-d identifies 63.6 % with problematic alcohol consumption. The Phi-coefficient showed high agreement between AUDIT and CRAFFT-d classifications (Phi Phi = .57; chi(2) 3978.671**; df = 1, p > .001). At a score of 2 or higher, CRAFFT showed sensitivity of 88.8 % and specificity of 66.2 %.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe CRAFFT-d is a valid instrument for screening adolescents for problematic alcohol consumption. However, further comparison of CRAFFT items with diagnostic criteria for adolescents is needed.

Smoking cessation with teenagers: The relationship between impulsivity, emotional problems, program retention and effectiveness

AIMSnThis study examines whether individual differences in impulsivity and emotional problems in adolescent smokers are related to initial smoking characteristics of participants, acceptance, retention and outcome of a school-based smoking cessation program.nnnDESIGNnThe data was obtained from a feasibility study of a youth-specific, cognitive-behavioral and motivation enhancing program at 22 schools with 139 participating teenage smokers in Germany. A one-group-pre-posttest design was realized.nnnMEASUREMENTnImpulsivity levels were assessed by use of the impulsivity scale of the IVE (Inventar zur Erfassung von Impulsivität, Risikoverhalten und Empathie, Stadler, Janke, & Schmeck, 2004). To evaluate the extent of emotional problems, the corresponding 5-items scale of the SDQ-Deu (Strength and difficulties questionnaire, Klasen et al., 2000) was applied. Smoking behavior and acceptance of the program were assessed by students self-reports.nnnFINDINGSnAcceptance and retention did not differ with regard to impulsivity and emotional problems, but initial smoking status did. Cessation rates varied with level of impulsivity: compared to non-impulsive participants, impulsive adolescents succeeded in quitting smoking less often. Emotional problems were not related to the rate of quitting.nnnCONCLUSIONSnImpulsive adolescents were similarly compliant to the offered cessation intervention as less impulsive smokers. In spite of their general positive evaluation, impulsive adolescents seem to benefit less from a smoking cessation program than their non-impulsive counterparts. Specific elements supporting impulsive teenage smokers in their goal to quit should be incorporated into youth-specific cessation programs.

Bestimmung der konkurrenten Validität des CRAFFT-d

Fragestellung: Uberpruft wurde, wie gut der CRAFFT-d problematischen Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen identifizieren kann. Methodik: Die Kriteriumsvaliditat des CRAFFT-d wurde anhand eines zweiten Tests erfasst. Parallel zum CRAFFT-d wurde der Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) verwendet. Es wurde uberpruft, in wie weit die erzielten Urteile ubereinstimmen. Die Instrumente wurden im Rahmen der Webseite www.drugcom.de («check your drinking») eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Von den 12250 befragten Jugendlichen wiesen 54.2 % nach dem AUDIT und 63.6 % nach dem CRAFFT-d einen problematischen Alkoholkonsum auf. Die Testergebnisse zeigen eine hohe Ubereinstimmung (Phi φ = .57; χ² 3978.671**, df = 1, p > .001). Bei einem Cut-off-Wert von 2 Punkten erzielte der CRAFFT-d eine Sensitivitat von 88.8 % und eine Spezifitat von 66.2 %. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung legen nahe, dass der CRAFFT-d ein geeignetes Instrument zur Fruherkennung von problematischem Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen sein ka...AIMnThe aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the CRAFFT-d alcohol abuse screening test for adolescents.nnnMETHODnThis criterion-related validity study compared the decisions of the CRAFFT-d with the decisions of the concurrently administered Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data was obtained from an online questionnaire including CRAFFT-d and AUDIT.nnnRESULTSnOf the 12250 participants, 54.2 % were found to have an alcohol use disorder due to the AUDIT. CRAFFT-d identifies 63.6 % with problematic alcohol consumption. The Phi-coefficient showed high agreement between AUDIT and CRAFFT-d classifications (Phi Phi = .57; chi(2) 3978.671**; df = 1, p > .001). At a score of 2 or higher, CRAFFT showed sensitivity of 88.8 % and specificity of 66.2 %.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe CRAFFT-d is a valid instrument for screening adolescents for problematic alcohol consumption. However, further comparison of CRAFFT items with diagnostic criteria for adolescents is needed.

rauchfrei – Ein internetbasiertes Ausstiegsprogramm für junge Raucherinnen und Raucher

Background: Because of its increasing number of users, the internet gains more and more importance in prevention and health communications. In spring of 2005, the Federal Centre of Health Education in Germany (BZgA) has installed an internet-based smoking cessation programme for adolescents and young adults (www.rauchfrei.info/programm), which meanwhile has been used by more than 3.800 people. Aims: This contribution outlines the structure of the programme and briefly presents results of the evaluation of the programme. Therefore, its sections (1) information and motivation, (2) phase of preparation and (3) phase of action are described at first. Afterwards, its users are being described by demographic characteristics and by different variables relating to their nicotine-consumption before and after attending the programme. Furthermore, the extent of the utilization of the programme is presented. Finally, the possibilities of further development are discussed.