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Expert vs. youth opinions on a smartphone-based intervention for youth cannabis-impaired driving

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Author(s): Colonna, Tucker, Holmes, Wilson, Alvarez

Slide Deck Presentation:

Robert Colonna Presentation 1A

Abstract:

Background:

Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) is a rising concern among youth and is proven to increase collision risk. Brief interventions delivered using mobile technologies may offer a promising approach for DUIC prevention. However, little is known about the specific aspects that can promote intervention efficacy and acceptability.

Aims:

This Delphi study sought expert consensus on the characteristics for a mobile-based brief intervention to reduce DUIC among youth.

Methods:

A two-round two-panel Delphi study was conducted among 26 professionals with expertise in youth substance use and impaired driving and 20 young cannabis users. Participants ranked the importance of 45 evidence-informed intervention characteristics using a 7-point Likert scale. Characteristics that received an interquartile deviation score 1 (indicating consensus) and a median score of 6 (indicating importance) in both panels were considered shared priorities. Differences in panel rankings were quantified using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results:

Consensus was achieved for 41 characteristics in the professional panel and 34 in the youth panel, with ratings generally higher among professionals. Overall, 16 shared priorities emerged. These include critical theoretical characteristics (e.g., self- efficacy, motivation, overcoming barriers), practical characteristics (e.g., mobile availability, estimates of intervention length, ability to input behaviours) and core contents (e.g., real-life stories, education on the risks/dangers, appropriate messaging). Youth’s perceptions on the dangers of DUIC received the most support for an intervention outcome.

Discussion:

Four key findings are worth noting. Interventions should (a) consider using motivational interviewing, (b) ensure mobile availability, (c)) use evidence-based information and content tailored to youth, and (d) assess youth’s perceptions of the dangers of DUIC as an outcome measure.

Conclusions:

Findings can inform the development of mobile-based brief interventions for youth, an essential step in reducing DUIC among youth and addressing this public health concern.