Development and evaluation of a digital preventive intervention targeting young people whose caregivers have alcohol problems

Research problem and specific questionsThe aim is to develop and evaluate a digital preventive intervention for young people (15-25-years) with caregivers who have problematic drinking.

Research questions examine how the intervention is received, if it has effects on mental health and own substance use, and if it is cost-effective.

The number of evaluated preventive interventions for this target group described in research literature is scarce.Data and methodThe project includes co-production of a fully automated digital intervention, pilot testing, a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and a cost-effectiveness analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected.

The RCT includes at least 400 people.

After a baseline assessment and randomization to the intervention or waitlist control group, follow-ups are collected after 1-, 3- and 12-months using web-based questionnaires. Scales assess depression, stress, anxiety, quality of life, alcohol and other substance use, and societal resource use.

Data are analyzed descriptively and with methods for longitudinal data.Societal relevance and utilizationUp to 20% of Swedish children grow up with caregivers who have problematic drinking, and they are at increased risk of several negative outcomes like poor school performance, own risky substance use, and mental and physical ill-health.

Society´s support efforts reach a negligible proportion of this high-risk group.

Our project offers a readily accessible digital intervention that is evaluated in terms of effects and cost-effectiveness.

As we already have established collaboration with key actors, there are good opportunities to disseminate and make the intervention available.

The intervention can serve as the first step towards seeking help for these children and young people.Plan for project realizationThe intervention is developed in co-production with end-users and representatives from addiction clinics, social services, student healthcare centers, and Children’s rights.

The intervention will include components like psychoeducation, films, exercises, questions, and feedback. A web bureau develops the technical interface. The pilot study focuses on study feasibility and the target group’s acceptance. An RCT is conducted with sufficient power to detect a difference in the study´s primary outcome – depression.

Based on RCT data, a cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted. Funding covers costs for salaries, intervention development, and data collection.