Digital Interventions for Recreational Cannabis Use Among Young Adults: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Behavior Change Technique Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.55031
• Publication Date: 2023-12-01T22:58:46Z
• Authors: José Côté; Gabrielle Chicoine; Billy Vinette; Patricia Auger; Geneviève Rouleau; Guillaume Fontaine; Didier Jutras-Aswad
• Keywords: Young Adult; Databases, Factual; Behavior Therapy; Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics; R858-859.7; Humans; Marijuana Use; Review; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Cell Phone; Cannabis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> The high prevalence of cannabis use among young adults poses substantial global health concerns due to the associated acute and long-term psychosocial risks. Digital modalities, including websites, digital platforms, mobile apps, have emerged as promising tools enhance accessibility availability evidence-based interventions for use. However, existing reviews do not consider specifically, combine cannabis-related outcomes with those many other substances in their meta-analytical results, solely target </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> We aimed evaluate effectiveness active ingredients designed specifically living community. <title>METHODS</title> conducted a systematic search 7 databases empirical studies published between database inception February 13, 2023, assessing following outcomes: (frequency, quantity, or both) negative consequences. reference lists included were consulted, forward citation searching was also conducted. randomized web- mobile-based that comparator control group. Studies excluded if they targeted substance (eg, alcohol), did report separately an outcome, include (aged 16-35 y), had unpublished data, delivered via teleconference through phones computers hospital-based setting, involved people mental disorders dependence. Data independently extracted by 2 reviewers using pilot-tested extraction form. Authors contacted clarify study details obtain additional data. characteristics studies, participants, interventions, comparators summarized. Meta-analysis results combined random-effects model pooled standardized mean differences. <title>RESULTS</title> Of 6606 unique records, 19 (0.29%) (n=6710 participants). Half (9/19, 47%) these articles reported intervention effect on frequency. review mostly web-based. A total 184 behavior change techniques identified across (range 5-19), &lt;i&gt;feedback behavior&lt;/i&gt; most frequently used (17/19, 89%). reduced frequency at 3-month follow-up compared conditions (including passive controls) −6.79 days previous month (95% CI −9.59 −4.00; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001). <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Our indicate potential reduce but raise important questions about what optimal exposure dose could be more effective, both terms duration Further high-quality research is still needed investigate effects adults. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> PROSPERO CRD42020196959; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=196959