SPORT PPW Increases Healthy Behaviors & Reduces Marijuana Use Intentions Among Adolescents in Stone Mountain, Georgia

Prevention specialists in Stone Mountain Georgia implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program during the spring semester, 2022 to 157 adolescents in local schools (53% male, 52% 15 years old). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in healthy behaviors in the future, including physical activity, eating mostly healthy foods, getting 8 or more hours of sleep, and practicing stress control most days a week. 

There were also less intentions to use marijuana in the future. 

In addition, there was an increase in perceived harmfulness of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana harming their health or healthy behaviors. 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to engage in the following health-promoting behaviors most days in the next year: 

• 93% physical activity
• 66% 8 or more hours sleep
• 83% eat mostly healthy foods
• 76% set goals to improve their health 

At posttest, most youth said they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to try any of the of the following substances in the next year: 

• 65% alcohol
• 92% cigarettes
• 73% marijuana
• 84% e-cigarettes
• 95% non-medical opioids 

At posttest, most participants said using the following substances would harm their health or healthy habits “a lot” or “a great deal”: 

• 76% alcohol
• 88% cigarettes
• 69% marijuana
• 78% e-cigarettes
• 88% non-medical opioids 

Participating adolescents’ comments after receiving the SPORT PPW program supported the quantitative data results and included: 

1. It made me really understand why I shouldn't use these things beyond other health classes that are just like "don't do drugs kids"
2. I liked learning about how important it is to have a good night's sleep.
3. learning how to set goals and making good health choices
4. it showed me the risks of drugs and alcohol
5. I feel more motivated to improve my health habits
6. I liked how it affected my health
7. Made me want to try drugs less
8. My self-esteem is so much better 

Our sincere thanks to these amazing prevention professionals for their dedication to improving the whole-health of youth in their region by partnering with Prevention Plus Wellness.