Association of Screening and Brief Intervention With Substance Use in Massachusetts Middle and High Schools

Source:

Levy S, Wisk LE, Minegishi M, et al. Association of Screening and Brief Intervention With Substance Use in Massachusetts Middle and High Schools. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2226886. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26886

Key Points

Question  Is exposure to a screening and brief intervention (SBI) program in schools associated with reductions in student substance use?

Findings  In this quality improvement study involving 4587 students in grades 7 through 10 who were exposed to a school-based SBI program in Massachusetts, cannabis and e-cigarette use increased over time in all groups. Exposure to SBI was associated with a significantly smaller increase in the rate of cannabis use among middle school students and significantly smaller increases in the rates of cannabis and e-cigarette use among all female students; however, there was no significant difference in any comparison among all high school students.

Meaning  This study’s findings suggest that school-based SBI programs, which are mandatory in Massachusetts, may help to reduce substance use among middle school and female students.