Innovative Dissemination of a Science-Based Substance Abuse Prevention Program for Families

Middle school-aged Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic students in Massachusetts have higher lifetime rates of alcohol (42% Hispanic; 37% Black non-Hispanic; 24% White non-Hispanic; 18% Asian non-Hispanic) and cigarette use (22% Hispanic; 20% Black non-Hispanic and 13% White non-Hispanic) than other ethnicities. Therefore, MA has prioritized Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic youth for one of its current Health Communications Campaigns. In order to address the social and environmental determinants of this problem, the MA Department of Public Health (MA DPH) is collaborating with ARGUS and the Center for Survey Research at UMASS Boston to develop and test innovative ways to address the family. 

The science-based Strengthening Families Program has recently been released in DVD format. In order to make this available, the MA DPH purchased multiple copies which are available to MA residents at no charge through our MA Health Promotion Clearinghouse. To motivate parents to order and use this 10 session program, the MA DPH used three innovative dissemination methods: 1) the purchase of a targeted cover wrap program, which included the front and back cover and the corresponding inside cover pages of the popular magazine “People,” which was distributed for 11 weeks in waiting rooms in the communities with a high proportion of Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic residents; 2) sending a Toolkit with resources to the schools; and 3) establishment of relationships with the Housing Authority in one target community to distribute and promote the DVD to residents in public housing.

Rates of distribution of the science-based prevention program prior to, during and after the Campaign are some of the process measures. Future analysis of outcome data will include comparison of 7^th and 8^th grade students in a random selection of schools in the targeted communities to students in their respective regions on: 1) substance abuse rates; and 2) the youths’ perception of their parents’ disapproval of underage alcohol use. In preparation for these analyses, a baseline survey was done among a random sample of 7^th and 8^th grade students in 2012 to create estimates of alcohol, drug and tobacco use prior to implementation of the program. These estimates can then be compared to measurements planned for later years. Measurements will include standard Youth Risk Behavior Survey items.