Are School-Based Interventions Effective in Preventing Internet Misuse? A Systematic Review.

Problems related to the use of the internet have triggered the appearance of internet addiction. With this problem comes the need for prevention. The objective of this study is to update the knowledge about the effectiveness of internet addiction prevention programs in schools. The specific aims are: (1) to identify the objectives of school's prevention programs, (2) to analyse the components and instruments used, (3) to evaluate the quality of the relevant studies and (4) to compare the results of the publications. A search with the terms "Internet", "Internet Use Disorder", "addiction", "prevention", "school", "effectiveness", and "prevention program" was carried out in 10 bibliographic databases in August 2021. For the selection of articles, the 25 quality criteria of the CONSORT 2010 list were used. Only articles that evaluated school prevention programs and had a quality score greater than 10 were selected. The results are shown in three tables. Eleven publications that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The measurement scales used are very heterogeneous. Ten of the 11 programs were effective in preventing adolescent internet misuse, abuse, or addiction. Increasing students' self-control reduces the problem of internet abuse. The validity of the results is discussed considering the methodological quality of the studies.

Preventive Gambling Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review.

Gambling disorder in youth is an emerging public health problem, with adolescents and young adults constituting a vulnerable age group for the development of gambling-related problems. Although research has been conducted on the risk factors for gambling disorder, very few rigorous studies can be found on the efficacy of preventive interventions in young people. The aim of this study was to provide best practice recommendations for the prevention of disordered gambling in adolescents and young adults. We reviewed and synthesized the results of existing RCTs and quasi-experimental studies covering nonpharmacological prevention programs for gambling disorder in young adults and adolescents. We applied the PRISMA 2020 statement and guidelines to identify 1483 studies, of which 32 were included in the systematic review. All studies targeted the educational setting, i.e., high school and university students. Most studies followed a universal prevention strategy, that particularly targeted adolescents, and an indicated prevention strategy for university students. The reviewed gambling prevention programs generally showed good results in terms of reducing the frequency and severity of gambling, and also regarding cognitive variables, such as misconceptions, fallacies, knowledge, and attitudes towards gambling. Finally, we highlight the need to develop more comprehensive prevention programs that incorporate rigorous methodological and assessment procedures before they are widely implemented and disseminated.

Gambling advertising and gambling behavior in Spanish adolescents and young adults. / Publicidad de apuestas y conducta de juego en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes españoles.

The profits obtained by the gambling industry in Spain represent almost one point of GDP and the proportion of minors who have gambled has reached a quarter. This situation occurs despite the law regulating gambling, which included among its objectives the prevention of addictive behaviors, as well as the protection of minors and other vulnerable groups. Recently, an additional regulation was approved to control gambling advertising. Bearing in mind the new regulatory context, we analyze the relationship between advertising and gambling in adolescents and young adults, studying especially young people who have already gambled and minors. We conducted an empirical investigation with a sample of 2,181 adolescents and young adults who filled out a questionnaire on gambling and advertising. We found that the variables associated with advertising are significantly related to gambling behavior and that, in addition, this correlation occurs with greater magnitude in men. We obtained higher scores in advertising influence among those subjects who have ever gambled compared to those who have not, highlighting the importance of discouraging the arrival of new gamblers. Regarding minors, we found significant differences in the different variables of advertising influence compared to young adults. These findings point to the need to evaluate this influence considering the new habits and interests of minors today.

Los beneficios obtenidos por la industria del juego de apuestas en España representan casi un punto del PIB y el porcentaje de menores de edad que han debutado en el juego alcanza la cuarta parte. Esta situación se produce pese a la ley de regulación del juego que incluye entre sus objetivos la prevención de conductas adictivas, así como la protección de menores y otros grupos vulnerables. Recientemente se ha aprobado un reglamento que regula la publicidad sobre apuestas. Teniendo presente el nuevo contexto normativo, analizamos la relación entre publicidad y apuestas en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes, estudiando la vulnerabilidad de jóvenes que ya han debutado en el juego y menores de edad. Realizamos una investigación empírica con una muestra de 2.181 adolescentes y adultos jóvenes que rellenaron un cuestionario sobre juego y publicidad. Encontramos que las variables asociadas a la publicidad se relacionan significativamente con la conducta de juego y que, además, esta correlación se da con mayor magnitud en hombres. Obtenemos mayores puntuaciones en influencia publicitaria entre aquellos sujetos que han jugado alguna vez frente a los que no, concluyendo la importancia de frenar el debut de nuevos jugadores. En cuanto a los menores, encontramos diferencias significativas en influencia publicitaria frente a los mayores. Estos hallazgos señalan la necesidad de evaluar la influencia teniendo en cuenta los nuevos hábitos e intereses de los menores en la actualidad.

Cyberbullying: Common Predictors to Cyber-Victimisation and Bystanding.

Cyberbullying has increased worryingly in the last decade, becoming a mental health problem in adolescence. Research usually focuses on cyber-bullies or cyber-victims, overlooking that these roles may overlap (e.g., cyber-victim-bystander). AIM: To identify possible common predictors to cyber-victimisation and bystanding. SAMPLE: The study sample consisted in 560 students, 12-15 years old, 47.5% female. METHOD: Canonical correlation, examining linear relationship between a group of X variables, and a group of Y variables. MAIN RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Two canonical varieties were built (Cor (U1,V1) = 0.442; Cor (U2,V2) = 0.270). Minors with high scores in cyber-victimisation (r = -0.888) and bystanding (r = -0.902) would have more favourable attitude towards violence, greater number of contacts on social networks/messaging and greater attention to emotions. The second variety discriminates minors with high cyber-victimisation score, but low observation and would relate to low attitudes towards violence and contacts on social networks/messaging, together with high scores in parental monitoring. Results suggest the possible overlapping of roles and how cyber-victimisation and bystanding share predictive factors.

Characterization and prediction of gambling behavior in adolescents using the COM-B model.

Gambling is an international phenomenon, posing a serious threat to adolescents who begin gambling at a young age. This study aims, to explore gambling behavior in adolescents and interpret its risk factors. We conducted a three-waves cohort longitudinal study assessing gambling and associated risk factors in south-eastern Spain. Data were analyzed using the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, Behavior (COM-B) model and the partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) technique. Gambling was measured by frequency and money spent; associated factors were knowledge about gambling, parental attitude towards gambling, risk perception, normative perception, and intention to gamble. These items were assigned as indicators of each construct of the COM-B model-capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior-using the theoretical domains framework. Once the behavior was performed, feedback on future capability, opportunity, and motivation was observed. Results show that capability, determined by past experience, and opportunity, determined by parental attitudes, motivates adolescents to seek gambling experiences in the future. Identifying such factors that affect gambling behavior in adolescents and establishing relationships between them through a robust theoretical model is essential for designing effective interventions.

Necesidades psicosociales en cuidados paliativos de las personas con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica, familiares y cuidadores/as. Una revisión de revisiones / Psychosocial needs in palliative care of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, family members and caregivers. A review of reviews

Introducción: La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) se define por la degeneración progresiva de las motoneuronas superiores e inferiores, lo que provoca una debilidad muscular progresiva que amenaza gravemente la autonomía motora, la comunicación oral, la deglución y la respiración. Estas características hacen que la ELA sea una de las enfermedades más duras emocionalmente para los y las pacientes y sus familiares y personas cuidadoras. La persona con ELA y la familia se pueden beneficiar de los cuidados paliativos en las etapas tempranas de la enfermedad, no solo para planificar una buena muerte cuando corresponda, sino para beneficiarse de tratamientos especializados a cualquier edad y en cualquier estadio de la enfermedad.Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar y organizar el conocimiento sobre las necesidades paliativas psicosociales de las personas con ELA y cuidadoras, con el fi n de mejorar protocolos de tratamiento y la implementación de planes integrales de cuidados paliativos. Material y métodos: Para ello se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed y Cochrane y en la revista Medicina Paliativa de artículos de revisión sobre ELA y cuidados paliativos. Resultados: Se identificaron 5 estudios que cumplían criterios de inclusión con abundante información sobre necesidades psicosociales de las personas con ELA y cuidadoras, que recorren todo el proceso de la enfermedad, desde el diagnóstico hasta el duelo. Los resultados se clasifican en base a un triple eje: I. Naturaleza de la necesidad; II. Etapa de la enfermedad y III. Persona cuidadora o enferma. Conclusiones: Los beneficios de los cuidados paliativos en la ELA requieren una consideración complementaria a los de la neurología desde el diagnóstico hasta el duelo. (AU)

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by a progressive degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons resulting in progressive muscle weakness, which severely compromises motor autonomy, oral communication, swallowing, and breathing. These characteristics make ALS one of the most emotionally difficult diseases for patients and their families, as well as their caregivers. The patient and his/her family can benefit from palliative care in the early stages of the disease, not only to plan for a good death when appropriate but also to benefit from specialized treatments at any age and any stage of the disease.Objective: The aim of this review was to update and organize the extant knowledge about the psychosocial palliative needs of patients and caregivers in order to improve treatment protocols and the implementation of comprehensive palliative care plans. Material and methods: To this end, we searched PubMed and Cochrane and the journal Palliative Medicine for review articles on ALS and palliative care. Results: Five studies that met inclusion criteria were identified with a wealth of information on the psychosocial needs of patients and caregivers, covering the entire disease process from diagnosis to bereavement. The results are classified on the basis of a threefold axis: I. Nature of the need; II. Stage of the illness; and III. Caregiver or sick person. Conclusion: The conclusion is that the benefits of palliative care in ALS require complementary consideration to those of neurology from diagnosis to bereavement. (AU)

Adaptación española de la Escala de Impacto de la Publicidad de Apuestas en adolescentes / Spanish adaptation of the Gambling Advertising Impact Scale for adolescents

La presión mediática de publicidad de apuestas ha alcanzado niveles preocupantes. Constituye un riesgo para la salud mental de los jóvenes y adolescentes al promover una actitud favorable hacia las apuestas, una mayor frecuencia de juego y una percepción de mayor accesibilidad. En la actualidad no se dispone de un instrumento capaz de evaluar el impacto de la publicidad de apuestas.ObjetivoAdaptar y validar la Escala de Impacto de Publicidad de Apuestas (IGAS, Impact of Gambling Advertising Scale).DiseñoInvestigación instrumental. La escala IGAS fue traducida del inglés garantizando su equivalencia lingüística, conceptual y métrica. A continuación, se comprobaron las propiedades psicométricas.EmplazamientoComunidad Valenciana (España).Participantes1.724 adolescentes con una media de 16,52 años (DT = 0,759).Intervención Se administró un cuestionario autoaplicado en formato de papel en una única medida.Principales medidasImpacto de la publicidad, severidad e intención de apostar, y accesibilidad.ResultadosLa consistencia interna y la fiabilidad dos mitades fueron buenas, α de Cronbach = 0,782 y 0,70, respectivamente. El análisis factorial confirmatorio concluyó que la versión española reproduce la original de tres dimensiones. Los análisis de la validez convergente mostraron relaciones directas y significativas con diferentes aspectos de la conducta de juego, y otros factores predictores.ConclusiónLa versión adaptada de la IGAS es una medida fiable y válida para la evaluación del impacto de la publicidad en adolescentes. La escala es un instrumento útil para el diagnóstico del nivel de riesgo y la evaluación de intervenciones preventivas.

Media pressure from gambling advertising has reached worrying levels. It constitutes a risk to the mental health of young people and adolescents by promoting a favourable attitude towards gambling, a higher frequency of gambling and a perception of greater accessibility. Currently, there is no instrument available to assess the impact of gambling advertising.ObjectiveThe present study aims to adapt and validate the Impact of Gambling Advertising Scale (IGAS).DesignThe IGAS scale was translated from English ensuring its linguistic, conceptual and metric equivalence. The psychometric properties were then tested.SiteComunidad Valenciana (España).Participants1724 adolescents with a mean age of 16.52 years (SD=.759).InterventionSelf-administered, paper-based questionnaire in a single measure.Main measurementsAdvertising impact, and gambling intention, severity and availability.ResultsInternal consistency and two-half reliability were good, Cronbach's α=.782 and α=.70, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis concluded that the Spanish version replicates the original three-dimensional version. Convergent validity analyses showed direct and significant relationships with different aspects of gambling behaviour, and other predictors.ConclusionThe adapted version of the IGAS is a reliable and valid measure for the assessment of the impact of advertising on adolescents. The scale is a useful instrument for the diagnosis of risk level and the evaluation of preventive interventions.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of a school-based alcohol and cannabis prevention programme among adolescents.] / Evaluación de la eficacia de un programa de prevención escolar del consumo de alcohol y cannabis entre adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol and cannabis consumption in young people aged 14 to 18 years show high and stable prevalence and incidence. The Instituto de Adicciones de Madrid Salud (IAMS) within its prevention strategy aimed at adolescents and young people in Madrid, implements an universal 3-sessions school-based prevention program. To evaluate the effectiveness of a program aimed at alcohol and cannabis from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB, Ajzen, 1991), we analysed the changes in consumption and intention of consumption, attitudes and subjective norm as well as in the risk perception. METHODS: Quasi-experimental design. Participants: Over 1,529 students belonging to 12 high schools in Madrid (M=15.36 years, DT=1.13, range: 13-18, 51.8% boys) Experimental group: N=790, intervention period October-December 2018. Control group: N=469. The Student's t test was used for the repeated means test. When the difference between the means was significant, the effect size was calculated using Cohen's d index. RESULTS: Alcohol: consumption (t=2.08, p<0.05, d=0.07), intention (t=3.01, p<0.01, d=0.12), risk perception (t=-502, p<0.001, d=0.20), attitudes (t=5.77, p<0.001, d=0.21), subjective norm (t=2.17, p<0.05, d=0.08). Cannabis: intention (t=2.98, p<0.01, d=0.11), risk perception (t=-3.99, p<0.001, d=0.14), attitudes (t=6.19, p<0.001, d=0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Students who received the intervention reduced the favourable attitudes and intention of alcohol and cannabis consumption and alcohol consumption, and increased the risk perception on both substances, with significant differences, but low effect sizes. Related to control group and regarding cannabis there were no significant differences. The program has been shown to be potentially effective, but would benefit from a review for fit to its theoretical framework.

OBJETIVO: El consumo de alcohol y cannabis entre jóvenes de 14 a 18 años muestra alta y mantenida prevalencia e incidencia. El Instituto de Adicciones de Madrid Salud (IAMS) dentro de su estrategia de prevención dirigida a adolescentes, desarrolla un programa de prevención universal de tres sesiones en ámbito educativo. Con el fin de evaluar la eficacia de dicho programa dirigido al consumo de alcohol y cannabis desde la Teoría de la Acción Planeada (TAP, Ajzen, 1991), se analizaron los cambios en el consumo e intención de consumo, actitudes y norma subjetiva, así como en la percepción de riesgo. METODOS: Diseño cuasi-experimental pretest-postest con grupo control equiparado. Participantes: 1.529 estudiantes distribuidos en 12 centros educativos de Madrid, (M=15,36 años, DT=1,13; rango: 13-18; 51,8% chicos). Grupo experimental: N=790 recibió la intervención en octubre-diciembre de 2018. Grupo control: N=469. Para el contraste de medias repetidas se utilizó el test t de Student. Cuando la diferencia entre las medias fue significativa, se calculó el tamaño del efecto mediante el índice d de Cohen. RESULTADOS: Alcohol: consumo (t=2,08, p<0,05, d=0,07), intención (t=3,01, p<0,01, d=0,12), percepción de riesgo (t=-502, p<0,001, d=0,20), actitudes (t=5,77, p<0,001, d=0,21), norma subjetiva (t=2,17, p<0,05, d=0,08). Cannabis: intención (t=2,98, p<0,01, d=0,11), percepción de riesgo (t=-3,99, p<0,001, d=0,14), actitudes (t=6,19, p<0,001, d=0,23). CONCLUSIONES: Los adolescentes que recibieron la intervención, redujeron las actitudes favorables e intención de consumo de alcohol y cannabis y el consumo de alcohol, y aumentaron la percepción de riesgo sobre ambas sustancias, con diferencias significativas, pero tamaños de efecto bajos. En relación al grupo control y respecto a cannabis no se encuentran diferencias significativas. El programa ha mostrado ser potencialmente eficaz, pero se beneficiaría de una revisión para un mejor ajuste a su marco teórico.

Evaluación de la eficacia de un programa de prevención escolar del consumo de alcohol y cannabis entre adolescentes / Evaluation of the effectiveness of a school-based alcohol and cannabis prevention programme among adolescents

Fundamentos: El consumo de alcohol y cannabis entre jóvenes de 14 a 18 años muestra alta y mantenida prevalencia e incidencia. El Instituto de Adicciones de MadridSalud (IAMS) dentro de su estrategia de prevención dirigida a adolescentes, desarrolla un programa de prevenciónuniversal de tres sesiones en ámbito educativo. Con el finde evaluar la eficacia de dicho programa dirigido al consumo de alcohol y cannabis desde la Teoría de la AcciónPlaneada (TAP, Ajzen, 1991), se analizaron los cambios enel consumo e intención de consumo, actitudes y norma subjetiva, así como en la percepción de riesgo. Métodos: Diseño cuasi-experimental pretest-postestcon grupo control equiparado. Participantes: 1.529 estudiantes distribuidos en 12 centros educativos de Madrid,(M=15,36 años, DT=1,13; rango: 13-18; 51,8% chicos).Grupo experimental: N=790 recibió la intervención enoctubre-diciembre de 2018. Grupo control: N=469. Parael contraste de medias repetidas se utilizó el test t deStudent. Cuando la diferencia entre las medias fue significativa, se calculó el tamaño del efecto mediante el índiced de Cohen. Resultados: Alcohol: consumo (t=2,08, p<0,05,d=0,07), intención (t=3,01, p<0,01, d=0,12), percepciónde riesgo (t=-502, p<0,001, d=0,20), actitudes (t=5,77,p<0,001, d=0,21), norma subjetiva (t=2,17, p<0,05,d=0,08). Cannabis: intención (t=2,98, p<0,01, d=0,11),percepción de riesgo (t=-3,99, p<0,001, d=0,14), actitudes (t=6,19, p<0,001, d=0,23). Conclusiones: Los adolescentes que recibieron laintervención, redujeron las actitudes favorables e intención de consumo de alcohol y cannabis y el consumo dealcohol, y aumentaron la percepción de riesgo sobre ambas sustancias, con diferencias significativas, pero tamaños de efecto bajos. (AU)

Background: Alcohol and cannabis consumption inyoung people aged 14 to 18 years show high and stableprevalence and incidence. The Instituto de Adicciones deMadrid Salud (IAMS) within its prevention strategy aimedat adolescents and young people in Madrid, implements anuniversal 3-sessions school-based prevention program. Toevaluate the effectiveness of a program aimed at alcoholand cannabis from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB,Ajzen, 1991), we analysed the changes in consumption andintention of consumption, attitudes and subjective norm aswell as in the risk perception.Methods: Quasi-experimental design. Participants:Over 1,529 students belonging to 12 high schools inMadrid (M=15.36 years, DT=1.13, range: 13-18, 51.8%boys) Experimental group: N=790, intervention periodOctober-December 2018. Control group: N=469. TheStudent’s t test was used for the repeated means test. Whenthe difference between the means was significant, the effectsize was calculated using Cohen’s d index.Results: Alcohol: consumption (t=2.08, p<0.05,d=0.07), intention (t=3.01, p<0.01, d=0.12), risk perception (t=-502, p<0.001, d=0.20), attitudes (t=5.77, p<0.001,d=0.21), subjective norm (t=2.17, p<0.05, d=0.08).Cannabis: intention (t=2.98, p<0.01, d=0.11), risk perception (t=-3.99, p<0.001, d=0.14), attitudes (t=6.19, p<0.001,d=0.23).Conclusions: Students who received the interventionreduced the favourable attitudes and intention of alcoholand cannabis consumption and alcohol consumption, andincreased the risk perception on both substances, with significant differences, but low effect sizes. Related to controlgroup and regarding cannabis there were no significant differences. The program has been shown to be potentiallyeffective, but would benefit from a review for fit to its theoretical framework.(AU)

[Spanish adaptation of the Gambling Advertising Impact Scale for adolescents]. / Adaptación española de la Escala de Impacto de la Publicidad de Apuestas en adolescentes.

Media pressure from gambling advertising has reached worrying levels. It constitutes a risk to the mental health of young people and adolescents by promoting a favourable attitude towards gambling, a higher frequency of gambling and a perception of greater accessibility. Currently, there is no instrument available to assess the impact of gambling advertising. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to adapt and validate the Impact of Gambling Advertising Scale (IGAS). DESIGN: The IGAS scale was translated from English ensuring its linguistic, conceptual and metric equivalence. The psychometric properties were then tested. SITE: Comunidad Valenciana (España). PARTICIPANTS: 1724 adolescents with a mean age of 16.52 years (SD=.759). INTERVENTION: Self-administered, paper-based questionnaire in a single measure. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Advertising impact, and gambling intention, severity and availability. RESULTS: Internal consistency and two-half reliability were good, Cronbach's α=.782 and α=.70, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis concluded that the Spanish version replicates the original three-dimensional version. Convergent validity analyses showed direct and significant relationships with different aspects of gambling behaviour, and other predictors. CONCLUSION: The adapted version of the IGAS is a reliable and valid measure for the assessment of the impact of advertising on adolescents. The scale is a useful instrument for the diagnosis of risk level and the evaluation of preventive interventions.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Gambling Predictors among Adolescents.

Although gambling is forbidden for minors, the prevalence of gambling among adolescents is increasing. In order to improve preventive interventions, more evidence on predictors of gambling onset is needed. A longitudinal study was proposed to (1) establish the prevalence of gambling; (2) identify factors associated with gambling behavior the following year; and (3) adjust a model to predict gambling behavior. A cohort of 1074 students (13-18 years old) was followed for 12 months. The prevalence of gambling reached 42.0% in the second measure. Boys gambled 2.7 times more than girls, and the highest percentages of gambling onset showed up between 13 and 14 years old. Gambling onset and maintenance was associated with gender, age, sensation-seeking, risk perception, self-efficacy for not gambling, parents' attitude towards gambling, group pressure (friends), subjective norm, exposure to advertising, accessibility, normative perception, gambling in T1 and parents gambling behavior. Gender, gambling in T1 and risk perception were significant in all three logistic adjusted regression models, with the fourth variable being sensation seeking, peer pressure (friends) and accessibility, respectively. It is suggested that universal prevention should be aimed preferably at children under 15 years old and to alert regulators and public administrations to the directly proportional relationship between accessibility and gambling onset.

Validación española de la Escala de Adicción a Videojuegos para Adolescentes (GASA) / Spanish validation of Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA)

OBJETIVO: El objetivo es adaptar y validar la escala Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA) a población juvenil española. DISEÑO: Estudio de adaptación cultural y validación. Emplazamiento: Centros de educación secundaria seleccionados por conveniencia. PARTICIPANTES: Se realizan dos estudios independientes con 466 jóvenes de 15,27 años (13-18, DT: 1,83) 48,7%♀ y 556 de 21,24 años (19-26; DT: 1,86) 44,1%♀. Mediciones: Adicción a los videojuegos (GASA); Conducta de juego (Cuestionario de hábitos de uso de videojuegos), Impulsividad. (Escala de Impulsividad de Plutchik) y Presión de grupo (cuestionario ad hoc). RESULTADOS: La versión española de GASA ha mostrado buena fiabilidad y una estructura factorial fiel a la de la escala original. En cuanto a la validez de criterio, las puntuaciones de GASA son significativamente diferentes en función de 4 criterios asociados al juego problemático: intensidad y frecuencia de juego, impulsividad y presión de grupo. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados muestran que la versión adaptada de GASA es una medida adecuada y válida para la evaluación de la conducta problemática de videojuegos

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to adapt and validate the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA) to the Spanish youth population. DESIGN: Cultural adaptation and validation study. SETTING: Secondary Education centres. PARTICIPANTS: Two independent studies were conducted on a group of 466 young people with a mean age of 15.27 years (13-18, SD: 1.83) and 48.7% ♀ and on another group of 566, with a mean age of 21.24 years (19-26; SD: 1.86) 44.1% ♀. Measurements: Addiction to video games (GASA); Game behavior (Game habits usage questionnaire), Impulsiveness (Plutchik Impulsiveness Scale) and Group Pressure (Ad hoc questionnaire). RESULTS: The Spanish version of GASA has shown good reliability and true to the original scale factor structure. As regards criterion validity, GASA scores are significantly different according to four criteria related to problem gambling: Game intensity and frequency, impulsiveness, and peer pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the adapted version GASA is adequate and a valid tool for assessing problematic gaming behavior

Design and validation of a Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) for adolescents. / Diseño y validación de una escala de intención de consumo de cannabis (CUIQ) para adolescentes.

In Spain, one in four 14 to 18-year-old adolescents has used cannabis during the last twelve months. Demand for treatment has increased in European countries. These facts have prompted the development of preventive interventions that require screening tools in order to identify the vulnerable population and to properly asses the efficacy of such interventions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), widely used to forecast behavioural intention, has also demonstrated a good predictive capacity in addictions. The aim of this study is to design and validate a Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) based on TPB. 1,011 teenagers answered a set of tests to assess attitude towards use, subjective norms, self-efficacy towards non-use, and intention to use cannabis. CUIQ had good psychometric properties. Structural Equation Modelling results confirm the predictive model on intention to use cannabis in the Spanish adolescent sample, classified as users and non-users, explaining 40% of variance of intention to consume. CUIQ is aimed at providing a better understanding of the psychological processes that lead to cannabis use and allowing the evaluation of programmes. This can be particularly useful for improving the design and implementation of selective prevention programmes.

En España, uno de cada cuatro jóvenes de 14 a 18 años declara haber consumido cannabis en el último año. La demanda de tratamiento ha aumentado en todos los países europeos. Ello ha motivado el desarrollo de intervenciones preventivas que requieren instrumentos para el cribado de la población en riesgo y la evaluación de la prevención. La Teoría de la Acción Planificada (TAP), ampliamente utilizada para predecir las intenciones conductuales, ha mostrado una buena capacidad predictiva en el campo de las adicciones. El objetivo del presente trabajo es diseñar y validar un Cuestionario de Intención de Consumo de Cannabis (CUIQ, Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire) basado en la TAP. 1011 adolescentes completaron una batería de cuestionarios que se compone de cuatro subescalas: actitud hacia el consumo, norma subjetiva, autoeficacia hacia la abstinencia e intención de consumo. El Cuestionario CUIQ obtuvo buenas características psicométricas. Las ecuaciones estructurales confirmaron el modelo predictivo sobre la intención de consumo en adolescentes españoles (consumidores y no consumidores), llegando a explicar el 40% de la varianza. El CUIQ tiene como objetivo una mejor comprensión del proceso psicológico que conduce al consumo de cannabis y permitir la evaluación de programas. Esto puede ser especialmente útil para mejorar el diseño e implementación de programas de prevención selectiva.

[Spanish validation of Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA)]. / Validación española de la Escala de Adicción a Videojuegos para Adolescentes (GASA).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to adapt and validate the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA) to the Spanish youth population. DESIGN: Cultural adaptation and validation study. SETTING: Secondary Education centres. PARTICIPANTS: Two independent studies were conducted on a group of 466 young people with a mean age of 15.27 years (13-18, SD: 1.83) and 48.7% ♀ and on another group of 566, with a mean age of 21.24 years (19-26; SD: 1.86) 44.1% ♀. MEASUREMENTS: Addiction to video games (GASA); Game behavior (Game habits usage questionnaire), Impulsiveness (Plutchik Impulsiveness Scale) and Group Pressure (Ad hoc questionnaire). RESULTS: The Spanish version of GASA has shown good reliability and true to the original scale factor structure. As regards criterion validity, GASA scores are significantly different according to four criteria related to problem gambling: Game intensity and frequency, impulsiveness, and peer pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the adapted version GASA is adequate and a valid tool for assessing problematic gaming behaviour.

Diseño y validación de una escala de intención de consumo de cannabis (CUIQ) para adolescentes / Design and validation of a Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) for adolescents

En España, uno de cada cuatro jóvenes de 14 a 18 años declara haber consumido cannabis en el último año. La demanda de tratamiento ha aumentado en todos los países europeos. Ello ha motivado el desarrollo de intervenciones preventivas que requieren instrumentos para el cribado de la población en riesgo y la evaluación de la prevención. La Teoría de la Acción Planificada (TAP), ampliamente utilizada para predecir las intenciones conductuales, ha mostrado una buena capacidad predictiva en el campo de las adicciones. El objetivo del presente trabajo es diseñar y validar un Cuestionario de Intención de Consumo de Cannabis (CUIQ, Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire) basado en la TAP. 1011 adolescentes completaron una batería de cuestionarios que se compone de cuatro subescalas: actitud hacia el consumo, norma subjetiva, autoeficacia hacia la abstinencia e intención de consumo. El Cuestionario CUIQ obtuvo buenas características psicométricas. Las ecuaciones estructurales confirmaron el modelo predictivo sobre la intención de consumo en adolescentes españoles (consumidores y no consumidores), llegando a explicar el 40% de la varianza. El CUIQ tiene como objetivo una mejor comprensión del proceso psicológico que conduce al consumo de cannabis y permitir la evaluación de programas. Esto puede ser especialmente útil para mejorar el diseño e implementación de programas de prevención selectiva

In Spain, one in four 14 to 18-year-old adolescents has used cannabis during the last twelve months. Demand for treatment has increased in European countries. These facts have prompted the development of preventive interventions that require screening tools in order to identify the vulnerable population and to properly asses the efficacy of such interventions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), widely used to forecast behavioural intention, has also demonstrated a good predictive capacity in addictions. The aim of this study is to design and validate a Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) based on TPB. 1,011 teenagers answered a set of tests to assess attitude towards use, subjective norms, self-efficacy towards non-use, and intention to use cannabis. CUIQ had good psychometric properties. Structural Equation Modelling results confirm the predictive model on intention to use cannabis in the Spanish adolescent sample, classified as users and non-users, explaining 40% of variance of intention to consume. CUIQ is aimed at providing a better understanding of the psychological processes that lead to cannabis use and allowing the evaluation of programmes. This can be particularly useful for improving the design and implementation of selective prevention programmes

Prevención familiar del consumo de drogas en Europa: una revisión crítica de los programas contenidos en EDDRA / Family prevention of drug use in Europe: a critical review of EDDRA programs

En la adolescencia temprana, la familia es uno de los principales agentes de riesgo/protección del inicio del consumo de drogas. Su influencia en la adquisición de hábitos de salud le convierte en diana preferente de intervenciones preventivas. El objetivo es realizar un análisis comparado de los programas de prevención familiar europeos. Se analizaron 85 programas de prevención familiar contenidos en la base de datos EDDRA (Exchange on Drug Demand Reduction Action), perteneciente al Observatorio Europeo de las Drogas y Toxicomanías. Fueron analizados todos los programas incluidos en la base, que abarca el periodo 1998-2011. El 53% de los programas proceden de sólo 4 países (España, Alemania, Portugal e Irlanda). El 89% son inespecíficos o de promoción de la salud. Proporcionar información sobre drogas es el principal objetivo que persiguen los programas. Algo más de la mitad de los programas (59.7%) informan haber realizado evaluación de resultados. El 70.59% de los programas no plantea entre sus objetivos ninguno de los factores de riesgo propuestos en las principales teorías. A pesar del sólido marco teórico y de la evidencia empírica sobre los factores de riesgo familiares, los programas de prevención presentan una gran dispersión en sus objetivos, técnicas y componentes. El grado de adecuación a las teorías es muy bajo y la evaluación sigue siendo la asignatura pendiente. Se plantean críticas sobre el funcionamiento de la base EDDRA (AU)

In early adolescence, family is one of the main risk/protection agent for drug misuse. Its influence on health habits acquisition makes family a key target for prevention programs. The aim is to conduct a comparative analysis of European family prevention programs. For this purpose, 85 programs were reviewed. Programs were retrieved from EMCDDA database EDDRA (Exchange on Drug Demand Reduction Actions). No time period was delimited; hence time span was 1998-2011. 53% of all programs came from 4 countries (Ireland, Germany, Portugal and Spain). 89% were unspecific drug prevention or health promotion programs. Providing information about drugs is the main objective pursued by the majority of the programs. Over half the programs (59.7%) report having undergone an outcome evaluation process. Regarding the program objectives, 70.59% do not address any of the risk factors proposed by the main theories in international literature. Despite the solid theoretical framework that supports coherent evidence about family risk factors, prevention programs’ objectives and components have a low theoretical compliance rate and the level of evaluation continues to be a challenge. Some aspects of the EDDRA functioning are reviewed (AU)

[Family prevention of drug use in Europe: a critical review of EDDRA programs]. / Prevención familiar del consumo de drogas en Europa: una revisión crítica de los programas contenidos en EDDRA.

In early adolescence, family is one of the main risk/protection agent for drug misuse. Its influence on health habits acquisition makes family a key target for prevention programs. The aim is to conduct a comparative analysis of European family prevention programs. For this purpose, 85 programs were reviewed. Programs were retrieved from EMCDDA database EDDRA (Exchange on Drug Demand Reduction Actions). No time period was delimited; hence time span was 1998-2011. 53% of all programs came from 4 countries (Ireland, Germany, Portugal and Spain). 89% were unspecific drug prevention or health promotion programs. Providing information about drugs is the main objective pursued by the majority of the programs. Over half the programs (59.7%) report having undergone an outcome evaluation process. Regarding the program objectives, 70.59% do not address any of the risk factors proposed by the main theories in international literature. Despite the solid theoretical framework that supports coherent evidence about family risk factors, prevention programs' objectives and components have a low theoretical compliance rate and the level of evaluation continues to be a challenge. Some aspects of the EDDRA functioning are reviewed.

Formación pre-grado en drogodependencias en las universidades españolas / Pre-degree training on drug-dependence within the Spanish universities

Objetivo: El presente trabajo pretende analizar y describir la formación pre-grado en drogodependencias ofertada por las universidades españolas. Método: Los autores han revisado los planes de estudios de las 139 facultades y escuelas universitarias españolas que ofrecen las titulaciones de medicina, psicología, enfermería y/o trabajo social. Un total de 93 asignaturas monográficas sobre drogas impartidas por 58 facultades y escuelas universitarias han sido incluidas en este estudio. Resultados: Atendiendo al número de asignaturas, observamos que la titulación de enfermería es la que ofrece el mayor número. Las titulaciones de medicina y psicología se sitúan en segundo y tercer lugar, con 26 y 24 asignaturas respectivamente. Por último, encontramos trabajo social con 6 asignaturas impartidas. Siguiendo un criterio geográfico, Cataluña destaca por ser la Comunidad autónoma que más formación en drogodependencias ofrece, seguida por la Comunidad de Madrid. Más de la mitad (el 53 por ciento) de los centros universitarios españoles con titulaciones en medicina, enfermería, psicología y trabajo social no imparten docencia alguna en materia de drogas. Conclusiones: La formación pre-grado en drogodependencias sigue un proceso expansivo, aunque todavía está lejos de ser accesible para la totalidad de los alumnos de licenciaturas y diplomaturas con implicación profesional en el ámbito de las drogodependencias. Se requiere una mayor concienciación por parte de las autoridades académicas con vistas a ofrecer un mayor número de asignaturas relacionadas con las drogas en nuestras universidades y lograr una mayor interdisciplinariedad (AU)

Aim.- This paper presents an analysis and a description of pre-degree training in drug dependencies offered at Spanish universities. Method: The authors have reviewed the study plans of the 139 Spanish university faculties and colleges that offer degrees in medicine, psychology, nursing and/or social work. A total of 93 subjects exclusively on drugs, offered by 58 university faculties and colleges, have been included in this study. Results: Looking at the number of subjects available, we observe that the nursing degree is the one that offers the greatest number. Medicine and psychology degrees are in second and third place, with 26 and 24 subjects respectively. Social work lies in the last place with 6 subjects. Following a geographical breakdown, Catalonia is the Autonomic Community that provides the most training on drug-related issues, followed by the Community of Madrid. More than one half (53%) of the Spanish university centres awarding degrees in medicine, nursing, psychology and social work do not offer any training on drug-related issues. Conclusions: Pre-graduate training in drug-related issues is following an expansionary process, although it is still far from being accessible to all university and college students professionally involved in drugrelated issues. A greater awareness by the academic authorities is required in order to be able to offer a higher number of drugrelated subjects in our universities and to leading to greater inter-disciplinarity (AU)