Prevention needs and target behavior preferences in an app-based addiction prevention program for German vocational students: A cluster-randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.59573
• Publication Date: 2024-04-19T14:33:41Z
• Authors: Diana Gürtler; Elaine Kraft; Dominic Bläsing; Anne Möhring; Christian Meyer; Dominique Brandt; Hannah Schmidt; Florian Rehbein; Merten Neumann; Arne Dreißigacker; Anja Bischof; Gallus Bischof; Svenja Sürig; Lisa Hohls; Susanne Wurm; Stefan Borgwardt; Severin Haug; Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
• Keywords: Preprint

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Vocational school students exhibit a high prevalence of addictive behaviors. Digital prevention programs targeting multiple behaviors and promoting life skills are promising. Tailoring intervention content to participants’ preferences, such as allowing them choose behavior modules, may increase engagement efficacy. However, there is limited understanding how personal characteristics relate module choices their alignment with needs. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This paper examines the needs German vocational well preferences through self-determined choice in multi-behavior app-based addiction program "ready4life". <title>METHODS</title> A two-arm cluster-randomized trial recruited aged 16+ years. Among 376 classes from 35 schools, "ready4life" was introduced during lesson. Students were invited download app, completed an anonymous screening individualized risk competence feedback form traffic light system. Informed consent given by 2568 students. Intervention received individual coaching, weekly chat contacts virtual coach over four months. They could two out six modules: alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, social media/gaming, stress competencies. Module self-determined. Control group link health information access coaching after 12 <title>RESULTS</title> Prevention need high. For 86% or more risks reported according yellow red feedback. Within group, (818/1236, 66.2%) media/gaming (625/1236, 50.6%) most chosen topics, followed alcohol (360/1236, 29.1%), competencies (306/1236, 24.8%), tobacco (232/1236, 18.8%), cannabis (131/1236, 10.6%). closely aligned feedback, particularly among those one risks. Multilevel regression models showed females significantly likely (P&lt;.001; OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.69-3.33), while males preferred 0.52, 0.40-0.69), 0.50, 0.37-0.67) 0.37, 0.21-0.63), when holding age, education track for respective constant. Younger 0.81, 0.74-0.90). Educational also influenced choice, e.g., health, affairs, teaching tracks had highest likelihood choosing module. Students’ corresponding module, higher consumption increased 1.31, 1.20-1.43). <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Our study confirms students' regarding key finding congruence between demonstrated needs, being interested differed gender, educational track. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00022328 <title>INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT</title> RR2-https://doi.org/10.1024/0939-5911/a000811