Internet and computer based interventions for cannabis use: A meta-analysis
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In: Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Vol. 133, No. 2, 01.12.2013, p. 295-304.
Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Internet and computer based interventions for cannabis use
T2 - A meta-analysis
AU - Tait, Robert James
AU - Spijkerman, Renske
AU - Riper, Heleen
PY - 2013/12/1
Y1 - 2013/12/1
N2 - Background: Worldwide, cannabis is the most prevalently used illegal drug and creates demand for prevention and treatment services that cannot be fulfilled using conventional approaches. Computer and Internet-based interventions may have the potential to meet this need. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of this approach in reducing the frequency of cannabis use. Methods: We systematically searched online databases (Medline, PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase) for eligible studies and conducted a meta-analysis. Studies had to use a randomized design, be delivered either via the Internet or computer and report separate outcomes for cannabis use. The principal outcome measure was the frequency of cannabis use. Results: Data were extracted from 10 studies and the meta-analysis involved 10 comparisons with 4125 participants. The overall effect size was small but significant, g= 0.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.22, P<. 0.001) at post-treatment. Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant subgroup differences for key factors including type of analysis (intention-to-treat, completers only), type of control (active, waitlist), age group (11-16, 17+ years), gender composition (female only, mixed), type of intervention (prevention, 'treatment'), guided versus unguided programs, mode of delivery (Internet, computer), individual versus family dyad and venue (home, research setting). Also, no significant moderation effects were found for number of sessions and time to follow-up. Finally, there was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Internet and computer interventions appear to be effective in reducing cannabis use in the short-term albeit based on data from few studies and across diverse samples.
AB - Background: Worldwide, cannabis is the most prevalently used illegal drug and creates demand for prevention and treatment services that cannot be fulfilled using conventional approaches. Computer and Internet-based interventions may have the potential to meet this need. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of this approach in reducing the frequency of cannabis use. Methods: We systematically searched online databases (Medline, PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase) for eligible studies and conducted a meta-analysis. Studies had to use a randomized design, be delivered either via the Internet or computer and report separate outcomes for cannabis use. The principal outcome measure was the frequency of cannabis use. Results: Data were extracted from 10 studies and the meta-analysis involved 10 comparisons with 4125 participants. The overall effect size was small but significant, g= 0.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.22, P<. 0.001) at post-treatment. Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant subgroup differences for key factors including type of analysis (intention-to-treat, completers only), type of control (active, waitlist), age group (11-16, 17+ years), gender composition (female only, mixed), type of intervention (prevention, 'treatment'), guided versus unguided programs, mode of delivery (Internet, computer), individual versus family dyad and venue (home, research setting). Also, no significant moderation effects were found for number of sessions and time to follow-up. Finally, there was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Internet and computer interventions appear to be effective in reducing cannabis use in the short-term albeit based on data from few studies and across diverse samples.
KW - Cultural Informatics
KW - Cannabis
KW - Computer
KW - intervention
KW - Cannabis
KW - Computer
KW - Internet
KW - Intervention
KW - Meta-analysis
KW - Prevention
KW - Substance use
KW - Systematic review
KW - Cannabis
KW - Computer
KW - Internet
KW - Intervention
KW - Meta-analysis
KW - Prevention
KW - Substance use
KW - Systematic review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84887016462&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.012
DO - 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.012
M3 - Scientific review articles
C2 - 23747236
VL - 133
SP - 295
EP - 304
JO - Drug and Alcohol Dependence
JF - Drug and Alcohol Dependence
SN - 0376-8716
IS - 2
ER -