Preventing Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Community-based Study in Schools

Not yet recruiting

Conditions: Substance Use Prevention

Registration Number: CTRI/2025/04/083912

Lead Sponsor: ICMR

Brief Summary: This cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) evaluates the effectiveness of integrating the Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) with the School Health Programme (SHP) under Ayushman Bharat to prevent substance use among adolescents in India. The primary hypothesis is that the CPLI intervention will significantly reduce substance use behaviors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) among adolescents by enhancing risk perception, fostering peer-led support, and addressing contextual factors like familial and community norms.

The trial employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative assessments (e.g., Substance Use Risk Profile Scale [SURPS] scores, self-reported substance use frequency) and qualitative insights (focus group discussions with adolescents, parents, and stakeholders). Schools (n=108) across diverse Indian settings (urban, rural, tribal) are randomized into intervention (CPLI + SHP) or control (standard SHP) arms.

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Not Yet Recruiting

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 5400

Inclusion Criteria

Adolescents enrolled in participating schools able to provide assent (with parental/guardian consent) and willing to participate in the intervention and follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria

Severe cognitive or physical impairments hindering participation.
Adolescents already enrolled in specialized substance use treatment programs.
Inability to obtain informed consent/assent.

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The primary outcomes include assessing the risk perception of substance use, measuring substance use frequency both pre- and post-intervention, and evaluating attitudes toward substance use prevention. These outcomes will provide insights into the direct impact of the intervention on adolescents’ awareness and behaviors related to substance use.	At Baseline, 6, 12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The secondary outcomes focus on the broader implications of the intervention, including observed behavioral changes related to substance use, levels of community and parental engagement, and the feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability of the intervention over time. These outcomes are critical for understanding the long-term effectiveness and scalability of the program.	12 months

Trial Locations

Locations (2): All India Institute of Medical Sciences
🇮🇳
Gorakhpur, UTTAR PRADESH, India
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education Research
🇮🇳
Pondicherry, PONDICHERRY, India
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
🇮🇳Gorakhpur, UTTAR PRADESH, India
Dr Aravind Gandhi P
Principal investigator
9585395395
aravindsocialdoc@gmail.com
Dr Himashree Bhattacharyya
Principal investigator
9436985886
himashreebhattacharyya@gmail.com
Dr Krupal Jagdish Chandra Joshi
Principal investigator
9974872609
Dr.krupaljoshi@gmail.com
Dr Sudip Bhattacharya
Principal investigator
8872397092
sudipbhattacharya234@gmail.com
Dr U Venkatesh
Principal investigator
7379399332
venkateshu.aiims@gmail.com