Preventing Substance Use Among Early Asian–American Adolescent Girls: Initial Evaluation of a Web-based, Mother–Daughter Program

PurposeThis study examined the efficacy and generalizability of a family-oriented, web-based substance use prevention program to young Asian–American adolescent girls.MethodsBetween September and December 2007, a total of 108 Asian–American girls aged 10–14 years and their mothers were recruited through online advertisements and from community service agencies. Mother–daughter dyads were randomly assigned to an intervention arm or to a test-only control arm. After pretest measurement, intervention-arm dyads completed a 9-session web-based substance use prevention program. Guided by family interaction theory, the program aimed to improve girls' psychological states, strengthen substance use prevention skills, increase mother–daughter interactions, enhance maternal monitoring, and prevent girls' substance use. Study outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equations.ResultsAt posttest, relative to control-arm girls, intervention-arm girls showed less depressed mood; reported improved self-efficacy and refusal skills; had higher levels of mother–daughter closeness, mother–daughter communication, and maternal monitoring; and reported more family rules against substance use. Intervention-arm girls also reported fewer instances of alcohol, marijuana, and illicit prescription drug use, and expressed lower intentions to use substances in the future.ConclusionsA family-oriented, web-based substance use prevention program was efficacious in preventing substance use behavior among early Asian–American adolescent girls.