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App-Based Addiction Prevention at German Vocational Schools: Implementation and Reach for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors :
Diana Guertler
Dominic Bläsing
Anne Moehring
Christian Meyer
Dominique Brandt
Hannah Schmidt
Florian Rehbein
Merten Neumann
Arne Dreißigacker
Anja Bischof
Gallus Bischof
Svenja Sürig
Lisa Hohls
Maximilian Hagspiel
Susanne Wurm
Severin Haug
Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
Source :
Prevention Science. 2024 25(5):849-860.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

This article examines the implementation, participation rates, and potential determinants of participation in the digital addiction prevention program "ready4life." A two-arm cluster-randomized trial recruited German vocational students via class-based strategies. Intervention group received 16 weeks of in-app coaching; the control group received health behavior information, with coaching offered after 12 months. Potential determinants of participation were analyzed based on class and individual characteristics. Out of 525 contacted schools, 35 participated, enrolling 376 classes. Implementation during the pandemic required flexible adjustments, with 49.7% of introductions conducted in person, 43.1% digitally via online streaming, and 7.2% received a video link via email. Despite challenges, 72.3% of the vocational students downloaded the app, and 46.7% gave informed consent. Participation rates were highest among (associate) professionals, vocational grammar school classes, classes introduced by females, younger individuals, members of the project team, and classes introduced face-to-face. Female gender, lower social competencies, lifetime cannabis use, higher problematic internet use, and higher perceived stress were associated with higher individual participation. The study highlights the importance of proactive outreach and personalized interventions for addiction prevention programs in vocational schools. While reached students aligned with the aims of the app, tailored recruitment strategies could enhance engagement among under-represented groups.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1389-4986 and 1573-6695
Volume :
25
Issue :
5
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Prevention Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1435383
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-024-01702-w