The efficacy of an e-learning prevention program for substance use among adolescents with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study

Background and aims Adolescents with Intellectual Disability (ID) are at risk for tobacco and alcohol use, yet little or no prevention programs are available for this group. ‘Prepared on time’ is an e-learning program based on the attitude – social influence – efficacy model originally developed for fifth and sixth grades of mainstream primary schools. The goals of this study were (1) to examine the lifetime use of tobacco and alcohol among this target group and (2) to gain a first impression of the efficacy of ‘Prepared on time’ among 12–16-year old students with moderate or mild ID (MMID). Methods and procedures Students form three secondary special-needs schools were assigned to the experimental (e-learning) group (n = 37) or the control group (n = 36). Pre-intervention and follow-up data (3 weeks after completion) were gathered using semi-structured interviews inquiring about substance use among students with MMID and the behavioral determinants of attitude, subjective norm, modelling, intention, and knowledge. Results The lifetime tobacco use and alcohol consumption rates in our sample were 25% and 59%, respectively. The e-learning program had a positive effect on the influence of modelling of classmates and friends. No significant effects were found on other behavioral determinants and knowledge. Conclusions and implications A substantial proportion of adolescents with MMID in secondary special-needs schools use tobacco or alcohol. This study showed that an e-learning prevention program can be feasible for adolescents with MMID.