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Enhancing Practitioner Skills Through Evidence-Based Interventions for Youth Substance Use

Enhancing Practitioner Skills Through Evidence-Based Interventions for Youth Substance Use

Introduction

As practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of children, it is imperative to utilize data-driven approaches in our interventions. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis titled "Individual-, family- and school-based interventions to prevent multiple risk behaviours relating to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in young people aged 8-25 years" provides valuable insights into effective strategies for preventing substance use among adolescents. This blog aims to distill key findings from the research and offer practical guidance for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and outcomes in this critical area.

Understanding the Research

The study analyzed data from 66 studies, focusing on interventions targeting multiple substance use behaviors in individuals aged 8-25 years. The interventions were categorized into individual-, family-, and school-based approaches. The findings indicated that most interventions were school-based and universal, with moderate quality evidence suggesting limited short-term benefits for reducing alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use. However, targeted interventions showed slightly better outcomes, albeit with low-quality evidence.

Key Findings

Implications for Practitioners

Practitioners can leverage these findings to refine their intervention strategies. Here are some actionable steps:

Encouraging Further Research

Given the mixed results and the need for higher-quality evidence, practitioners are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research efforts. By participating in or initiating studies, practitioners can help build a more robust evidence base that can inform future interventions.

Conclusion

While the current evidence suggests limited benefits of universal interventions, the potential public health impact of small improvements should not be underestimated. Practitioners should continue to refine their approaches, focusing on targeted interventions and family involvement, while also contributing to research efforts. For those interested in exploring the detailed findings of the research, I highly recommend reading the original paper.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Individual-, family- and school-based interventions to prevent multiple risk behaviours relating to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in young people aged 8-25 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.


Citation: Tinner, L., Palmer, J. C., Lloyd, E. C., Caldwell, D. M., MacArthur, G. J., Dias, K., Langford, R., Redmore, J., Wittkop, L., Watkins, S. H., Hickman, M., & Campbell, R. (2022). Individual-, family- and school-based interventions to prevent multiple risk behaviours relating to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in young people aged 8-25 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 22, 1111. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13072-5
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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