The eCHECKUP TO GO for High School: Impact on risk factors and protective behavioral strategies for alcohol use

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of a Brief Online Alcohol Intervention for High School Seniors

“…These findings are consistent with the growing body of research indicating computer-based and online interventions are efficacious in reducing alcohol use in adolescents (Koning et al, 2011; Koning et al, 2013; Newton et al, 2009; Schwinn et al, 2010). Further, results are consistent with college student research suggesting online personalized feedback interventions are most efficacious for high-risk students (Bersamin et al, 2007;Chiauzzi, et al, 2005;Doumas & Anderson, 2009;Doumas et al, 2011;Doumas et al, 2014; Walters et al, 2007).Prior research demonstrates the efficacy in reducing risk factors for alcohol use among seniors (Doumas et al, 2017). This study extends this literature by demonstrating the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO in reducing alcohol use among high school seniors who report heavy drinking.…”

“…This study builds upon the initial findings regarding risk factors for drinking reported by Doumas et al (2017) by examining drinking outcomes. The current study contributes uniquely to the literature by examining the efficacy of eCHECKUP TO GO in reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among high school seniors.…”

“…In contrast, other researchers have found reductions in alcohol-related consequences among first year college students at a one-month follow-up (Hustad et al, 2010). These findings suggest that it is also possible that the eCHECKUP TO GO may not be as efficacious in reducing alcohol-related consequences among high school seniors compared to first year college students.Prior research examining the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO on risk factors and protective behaviors among high school seniors indicates that while the program was efficacious in reducing risk factors for alcohol use (e.g., perceptions of peer drinking, positive beliefs about alcohol, and positive alcohol expectancies), there were no significant effects on protective behaviors (Doumas et al, 2017). Coupled with the results of this study, it is possible that the program may require modification to better address protective behavioral strategies that may serve not just to reduce alcohol consumption, but to increase the use of protective behaviors students can use to reduce negative consequences associated with alcohol use.…”

“…Further, studies examining the implementation of the eCHECKUP TO GO as part of first year orientation activities indicate a reduction in alcohol use among students identified as high-risk drinkers, with no adverse effects on those identified as low-risk drinkers, including non-drinkers (Doumas & Anderson, 2009;Doumas et al, 2011). Initial research on the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO program with high school seniors indicates that the program is efficacious in reducing cognitive risk factors for drinking including perceptions of peer drinking, positive beliefs about alcohol, and positive alcohol expectancies among high school seniors (Doumas et al, 2017). This research suggests that although the program was originally designed for college students, it may also be appropriate for use among high school seniors.…”

“…Students in the control group were escorted back to their classroom once they completed the baseline survey. A detailed description of administration procedures are described in Doumas et al (2017). All participants who completed the baseline survey were invited to participate in the 6-week follow-up survey in mid-November.…”