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Impact Evaluation of Two Versions of a Brief Intervention Targeting Alcohol Use and Physical Activity Among Adolescents

NCJ Number
221930
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: 2007 Pages: 401-416
Author(s)
Anna E. Mathews M.S.; Chudley Werch Ph.D.; Mara Michniewicz B.S.; Hui Bian Ph.D.
Date Published
2007
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the immediate impact of two new versions of the Project SPORT program, a brief one-on-one tailored consultation that addressed adolescents' alcohol use and physical activity.
Abstract
Two impact evaluations suggest that Project SPORT can be successfully reformatted from a one-on-one consultation into both an interactive CD-ROM and small-group intervention while remaining largely acceptable and potentially effective for adolescents. Those who participated in the small-group discussion were more likely than the control group to report a greater commitment to physical activity, report positive images/prototypes of those who engage in regular physical activity, and to link regular exercise and other health promoting behaviors. In addition, intervention participants were more likely to link too much alcohol use with other negative behavior. The CD-ROM intervention had a positive effect on females only, so additional research is needed to revise the CD-ROM, possibly adding a male voice to the program. Another suggestion is to test the effectiveness of Project SPORT material in the computer slide show format, which was preferred by males in the control group. In study one, high-school students were exposed to either an interactive CD-ROM consultation or a noninteractive computer program. In study two, students either participated in a small-group consultation or a control group exposed to a health booklet. 2 tables and 44 references