A pilot feasibility c-rct of screening and brief alcohol intervention in young people aged 14-15 in a high school setting: SIPS jr-high

Introduction: Approximately 33% of 15–16 year olds in England report alcohol intoxication in the

past month with adolescents in the UK being amongst the heaviest young drinkers in Europe leading

to high social and economic costs.

Methods: A three arm pilot feasibility cRCT to assess the feasibility of a future definitive cRCT of

brief alcohol intervention (ASBI) in a school setting with an integrated qualitative component (randomisation

at school level). Feasibility of trial processes, recruitment and retention and a qualitative

evaluation examined facilitators and barriers to the use of ASBI approaches in the school setting in

this age group.

Interventions: Young people aged 14–15 (Year 10) in 7 schools in the North East of England who

screened positive on a single alcohol screening question and consented to take part were randomised

to either provision of an advice leaflet (control condition, n=2 schools); a 30-minute brief interactive

session which combined structured advice and motivational interviewing techniques delivered

by the school learning mentor (Intervention 1, n=2 schools); a 60-minute session involving family

members delivered by the school learning mentor (Intervention 2, n=3 schools). Young people were

followed-up at 12-months.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a future definitive cRCT of ASBI in a

school setting.

Results: Two hundred and twenty-two young people were eligible for the trial. 182 (82%) were

randomised (control n=53; Intervention 1 n=54; Intervention 2 n=75). Of the 75 randomised to Intervention

2, 67 received Intervention 1 (89%). Eight received both Intervention 1 and Intervention 2

(11%). 160/182 were successfully followed up at 12 months (88%). Interviews were carried out with

6 school lead liaisons; 13 learning mentors; 27 young people and seven parents (n=53).

Outcomes/conclusions: Analysis shows that the school setting is a feasible and acceptable place

to carry out ASBI with learning mentors seen as suitable people to do this. Intervention 2 was not

seen as feasible or acceptable by school staff, parents or young people therefore a definitive study

should not include a parental arm.

Source of funding: The study was funded under the NIHR Public Health Research Programme

commissioned call 10/3002 Alcohol and Young People: Interventions to prevent hazardous drinking

of alcohol by school aged children and young people.