Effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented substance use prevention program for boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented intervention in delaying alcohol-related harm and reducing substance use among boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID).
Results Summary
The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing a mindfulness-oriented intervention to a control condition, with primary outcomes focusing on delaying post-intervention drunkenness and secondary outcomes including substance use and neurobiological behavioral changes. Results are pending as the study is ongoing.
Population
Boys aged 11-17 with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) who consumed alcohol in the past year.
Effective Dosage
6-week mindfulness training combined with interactive drug education.
Duration
6 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness oriented intervention | neutral | benefits | 11-17 years old boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) | - | will be tested | #1 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | delay of first post-intervention drunkeness | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigate the benefits | #2 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | decrease | use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs within 30 days post-intervention | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigate | #3 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | neutral | neurobiological behavioural parameters | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #4 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | trait mindfulness | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #5 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | emotion regulation | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #6 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | decrease | psychopathological symptoms | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #7 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | peer networks | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #8 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | decrease | perceived stress | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #9 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | quality of life | boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year | - | investigated | #10 |
mindfulness oriented intervention | increase | prevention of substance use | boys with MBID | - | gain first evidence of the effectiveness | #11 |
BACKGROUND: Boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) are at particular risk to drink in harmful ways once they start to consume alcohol. Interventions based on mindfulness have been proven to be effective in preventing substance use, but mostly for adults with MBID. A mindfulness oriented intervention targeting 11-17 years old boys will be tested in a randomised controlled trial. Study aim is to investigate the benefits of this new intervention compared to an active control condition within a 12 months follow-up. METHODS: In this randomised controlled proof of concept study, 82 boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year will be randomised either to the 6 week mindfulness oriented intervention or the control group receiving a control intervention equal in dose and length. The intervention group undergoes mindfulness training combined with interactive drug education, while the control group completes a health training combined with the same education. In the intention-to-treat analysis the primary outcome is the self-reported delay of first post-intervention drunkeness within a 12 months follow-up time span, measured weekly with a short app-based questionnaire. Secondary outcome is the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs within 30 days post-intervention. Changes in neurobiological behavioural parameters, such as impulse control, reward anticipation, and decision making, are also investigated. Other secondary outcomes regard trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, psychopathological symptoms, peer networks, perceived stress, and quality of life. In addition, a prospective registry will be established to record specific data on the population of 11-17 year old boys with MBID without any alcohol experience. DISCUSSION: This study offers the opportunity to gain first evidence of the effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented program for the prevention of substance use for boys with MBID. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014042 . Registered on March 19th 2018.