New Research Evaluating PPW Programs

Below are new studies evaluating the outcomes resulting from PPW programs provided to various youth groups.    

SPORT PPW Effects on Multiple Adolescent Health Risks

The one-lesson evidence-based SPORT (Alcohol/Drug) Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program was provided to students in New York City high schools by school counselors during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Students were provided with an online pretest survey before the SPORT PPW lesson and a posttest after the lesson.

A total of 729 students completed a pretest survey and 565 completed a posttest survey.  At pretest, most youth were male (57%), 14 years of age (53%), and were Hispanic (38%), Black (27%), or White (26%).

Healthy Behaviors

The percentage of students who intend to engage in healthy behaviors most days increased from pretest to posttest, including:

  • Get physical activity: 5%
  • Get 8 or more hours sleep: 12%
  • Eat fruits and vegetables: 6%
  • Eat breakfast: 8%
  • Practice stress control or relaxation skills: 11%
  • Set health goals: 6%

In addition, the percentage of youth who said they were unlikely or very unlikely to feel so sad or hopeless that they’d stop doing their usual activities increased 6% from pretest to posttest.

Perceived Harmfulness of Substance Use

Perceived harmfulness of using substances to health or healthy habits increased from pretest to posttest, including:

  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Cigarettes: 6%
  • Marijuana: 10%
  • E-Cigarettes: 8%
  • Opioids: 7%

At posttest, most students were unlikely or very unlikely to try the following substances:

  • Alcohol: 82%
  • Cigarettes: 97%
  • Marijuana: 87%
  • E-Cigarettes: 93%
  • Opioids: 95%

Most youth also reported at posttest that they liked the SPORT PPW lesson at least a little (96%) and that it will help them avoid drug use and increase their healthy habits (94%).

Student Comments

A sample of actual written comments students made about what they liked about the program are listed below.

  • The thing I liked most about this lesson was how it helped inform me about how harmful drugs can be to my mental health.
  • It helps with giving me valid reasons to not use any substances.
  • It made me think about my choices.
  • I liked the lesson because it made me do a self revision on my health
  • It allowed me to set a goal to improve physical fitness
  • it affected me by motivating me with new goals
  • Helps me reflect on my actions
  • It is inspiring and sending out messages to not do drugs or drink alcohol.
  • I think this reminded me that I have to eat a healthy breakfast and get enough sleep.
  • It helped me noticed that I need to better my diet a bit more as well as get more sleep
  • It can not only help me but my peers
  • It made me more concerned with my health and made me become more conscious.
  • it helped me with goal setting
  • I liked how the lesson made sure I had healthy habits, while also asking about bad habits.
  • What I liked the most is how this lesson raised awareness about how both alcohol and marijuana affect many things, like your sleep schedule, your physical and mental health, and your

Conclusion

The single-session SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness intervention had positive effects on increasing intentions to engage in multiple key healthy lifestyle behaviors while increasing perceived harmfulness of using common substances of abuse.

These findings, along with the increase in the proportion of youth not feeling sad or hopeless, indicate the effects of the program on improving mental as well as physical health of participants.

Over 9 in 10 students both liked the SPORT PPW program and found it helpful for improving their health habits.  Student comments provide further evidence of the positive impact of the program across health risk and health promoting behaviors of adolescents.

SPORT PPW Improves a Key Measure of Adolescent Mental Health

The SPORT (Alcohol/Drug) Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program was provided to 90 middle school students in New York City by counselors during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Students were provided with an online pretest survey before the SPORT PPW lesson and a posttest after the lesson.

Most students were female (58%), 13 years of age (72%), and were White (73%).

Improved Mental Health

Over 1 in 4 youth showed improvement on a key indicator of mental health from pretest to posttest. 

After receiving the SPORT PPW program, there was an increase of 27% students who were unlikely or very unlikely to feel so sad or hopeless that they would stop doing some of their usual activities.

There was also a 10% increase in students who were happy a little to a great deal with their current physical and mental health.

Low Substance Use Risk

At posttest, nearly all students were unlikely to try substance use in the future, including:

  • Alcohol: 90%
  • Cigarettes: 100%
  • Marijuana: 99%
  • E-Cigarettes: 100%
  • Opioids: 99%

In addition, there was an 18% increase in youth who thought that drinking alcohol would harm their health or healthy behaviors.

Positive Program Reviews

Lastly, most students both enjoyed and found the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program useful.

A total of 94% of youth enjoyed the SPORT PPW program a little to a great deal, and 94% felt the lesson would help them avoid drug use and improve their healthy habits.

Conclusion

The key findings from these data indicate the one-lesson SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program can have a significant impact on improving the mental wellbeing of adolescents. 

Boys & Girls Club Finds SPORT PPW Improves Youth Wellness

The Boys & Girls Club in New York City implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program during the 2023-2024 academic year.

SPORT PPW is a 45-minute evidence-based motivational substance use prevention program designed to promote physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress control and goal setting among youth.

A pretest was provided to youth before and a posttest after receiving the SPORT PPW lesson.

A total of 267 youth completed the pretest and 191 completed the posttest survey assessing the effects of participating in the program.

Participating youth were mostly male (57%), African American (61%), and ranged in age primarily from 11 to 14 years old (53%).

Improved Healthy Behaviors

The percentage of youth with intentions to engage in daily healthy behaviors increased from pretest to posttest, including.

  • Physical Activity=8%
  • 8 or More Hours of Sleep=10%
  • Eat Fruits & Vegetables=5%
  • Eat a Healthy Breakfast=12%
  • Practice Stress Control or Relaxation=5%

There was also a 6% decrease in the proportion of youth who expected to feel so sad or hopeless that they’d stop doing stop doing some of their usual activities.

Most Youth Don’t Use Drugs & Increases in Perceived Harmfulness

At posttest, most youth were unlikely or very unlikely to use substances in the future, including,

  • Alcohol=88%
  • Cigarettes=95%
  • Marijuana=91%
  • E-Cigarettes=93%
  • Opioids=89%

Relatedly, the percentage of youth who perceived substance use as harmful to their health or healthy behaviors increased from pretest to posttest, including:

  • Alcohol=8%
  • Marijuana=8%
  • E-Cigarettes=5%
  • Cigarettes=2%
  • Opioids=3%

Youth Reactions to the SPORT PPW Program

Most youth liked the SPORT PPW program at least a little (91%) and even more felt the program helped them avoid drug use and improve their healthy habits (93%).

Written comments from participating youth about what they liked best about the SPORT PPW program included the following:

  • This lesson shows me the dangers of drug and alcohol,
  • It helps me understand that I need to improve my health, etc.. Such as eating better, sleeping more, and helping me set goals into being more physical.
  • It motivated me to have a healthier life,
  • It’s helping me stay away from drugs and alcohol to have a great future.
  • It shows you how to avoid things that will not benefit your heath.
  • It affected my motivation a lot.
  • It helped me learn about drugs and I learned more about myself.
  • I liked how this lesson checks up on you because some kids don't get that certain attention like this lesson.
  • What I liked best was the part where we talked about breakfast.
  • Motivates me to be physically and mentally healthy.
  • This lesson influenced me to stay away from alcohol, vape, cigarette, drugs, etc. I learned that it is unhealthy for your health and your future life.
  • It MADE ME FEEL HAPPIER NOT TO USE DRUGS.
  • It taught me how to avoid drugs and I learned more about myself.
  • It opened my eyes to the possibilities of living a bad lifestyle.
  • Teaching to stay away from drugs.
  • The lesson taught me about maintaining good self-esteem.
  • It let me know the consequences of drug abuse.
  • I taught me to take care of my health.

Conclusion

Youth receiving the one lesson SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program at a Boys & Girls Club in New York City improved multiple healthy behaviors associated with mental and physical wellbeing, including physical activity, healthy diet, sleep, and stress control. 

Meanwhile, most youth did not plan to use substances in the future, and their perceived harmfulness of substance use increased, particularly for alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette consumption.

Lastly, over 9 in 10 youth believed the SPORT PPW program helped them avoid drug use and improved their healthy habits, while youth comments delineated how the program enhanced their health, motivation, happiness and self-esteem.

One-Session SPORT PPW Program Effects on a Sample of Mostly Hispanic Young Adolescents 

The one-session SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program was administered to youth from October 2023-March 2024. 

Trained program implementers from the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) with locations throughout central California provided the program.  

A total of 345 adolescents completed a pretest survey and 336 completed a posttest survey after receiving the SPORT PPW program presented in groups. 

The majority of participants were Hispanic (73%), female (54%) and were 14 (38%) or 15 years old (32%). 

Quantitative Findings 

The proportion of participating youths' intentions to engage in healthy behaviors increased from pretest to posttest, including practicing stress control/relaxation most days (15%), eating a healthy breakfast most days (9%), getting 8 or more hours of sleep most nights (8%), and getting physical activity most days (6%).   

The majority of youth did not intend to use drugs and alcohol at posttest, including puffing on a cigarette (82%), trying an e-cigarette (80%), trying an opioid (77%), trying marijuana (74%), and trying alcohol (61%). 

Perceptions of harmfulness of specific substances increased from pretest to posttest, particularly for using alcohol (8%) and marijuana (6%). 

The likelihood of feeling sad or hopeless decreased from pretest to posttest by 8%, suggesting a possible mental health benefit from participating in the program. 

Most youth liked the lesson at least a little (96%) and thought it would help them avoid drug use and improve their healthy behaviors (95%). 

Qualitative Findings 

Comments from youth on what they liked best about the SPORT PPW program lesson supported the positive quantitative outcomes from participating in the program.  

A sample of these comments included: 

  • I liked how we talked about health benefits and how alcohol is seriously an issue for your mental and physical health.
  • I liked the engagement and how often they asked questions.
  • It made me rethink some of my life goals and the importance I place on healthy habits.
  • It was fun.
  • I like how it explains how alcohol and drugs can be really harmful.
  • Motivated me to become more active.
  • I liked (the fact) that it gave you ideas of how to change your health habits.
  • It made me want to eat healthier.
  • Motivated me to set goals for myself.
  • It was very informational (informative).
  • Learning the different stress-relieving techniques and exercises.
  • It help(ed) me to keep from using (drugs) and stay around good company. 

Conclusion 

The SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program provided to a majority Hispanic sample of young adolescents was found to increase the percentage of youths intending to engage in healthy behaviors associated with physical and mental wellbeing. 

This finding was supported by a decrease in the number of youths who believed they would feel so sad or hopeless that they would stop doing some of their usual activities.  

Most you reported no intentions to use drugs and alcohol at posttest, while

perceptions of harmfulness increased the greatest for the two substances most likely to be used in the future, i.e., alcohol and marijuana. 

Qualitative data in the form of youth comments supported quantitative results of the SPORT PPW program increasing intentions to engage in healthy behaviors and perceptions of substance use risks, as well as the finding that over 9 in 10 participating youth said the SPORT PPW program would help them avoid drug use and increase their healthy habits. 

Authors: Julio Lopez (Youth Leadership Institute), Emily Rivas (Youth Leadership Institute) & Chudley Werch, PhD (Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC)

One-Lesson Vaping PPW Program Improves Multiple Health Behavior Intentions Among Elementary School Children

Prevention specialists at ALPHA Behavioral Health Center in Camden, South Carolina implemented the one-lesson Vaping (E-Cigarette) Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program to 138 4th and 5th grade students at an elementary school in Kershaw County.

Healthy Behavior Results

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in the percentage of children with intentions to engage in daily healthy behaviors in the next month, including: 

  • Play sports or physical activities (19%),
  • Get at least 8 hours of sleep (10%),
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods (10%), and
  • Talk with their parents about their health or health goals (8%). 

In addition, at posttest, most youth had intentions to engage in the healthy behaviors in the next month, including: 

Play sports or physical activities (93%),

Get at least 8 hours sleep (85%),

Eat a variety of healthy foods (91%), and

Talk with their parents about their health (85%). 

Substance Use Results 

There were also increases in the proportion of youth with intentions to NOT try various substances when they become adults, including: 

E-Cigarettes (7%),

Alcohol (6%),

Marijuana (6%), and

Tobacco Cigarettes (5%). 

Further, at posttest, most of the youth had no intentions of trying alcohol and drugs as an adult, including: 

E-Cigarettes (89%),

Alcohol (80%),

Marijuana (96%), and

Tobacco Cigarettes (96%). 

Conclusion 

The single-lesson Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program had a positive influence on increasing intentions to engage in future healthy behaviors, including the Big 3 habits of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep, which are associated with the mental and physical wellbeing of youth. 

At the same time, the Vaping PPW program increased intentions to avoid trying drugs and alcohol in the future, including marijuana, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and alcohol. 

The multiple health risk behavior Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program may help elementary school children both avoid future substance use and increase their healthy habits. 

Authors: Jessica Berry (ALPHA Behavioral Health Center), Chudley Werch, PhD (Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC)

SPORT PPW Post-Program Outcomes for Groups of Young Adolescents

SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) was implemented to 1057 youth in groups over a three-year period (2020-2023) at 11 middle school districts and one Boys & Girls Clubs region across five states (New York, Michigan, Washington, Nebraska, and Missouri). 

Most youth were between the ages of 11-13 years old. 

Confidential online posttest surveys evaluating the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program were administered immediately after the program was presented to youth.

Healthy Behavior Intentions

Youth intentions (very likely and likely) to engage in health-promoting behaviors within the next year are shown below.

  • 88% to get physical activity most days
  • 67% to get 8 or more hours of sleep most nights
  • 79% to eat fruits & vegetables or mostly healthy foods most days
  • 59% to eat a healthy breakfast every morning (n=394)
  • 67% to set goals to improve health or fitness (n=739)

Substance Use Intentions

Youth intentions (very unlikely and unlikely) to use various substances within the next year are shown below.

  • 83% will not drink alcohol
  • 95% will not smoke cigarettes
  • 94% will not use marijuana
  • 93% will not use e-cigarettes
  • 82% will not use opioids (n=740)

Perceived Harmfulness of Substance Use

Youth perceived harmfulness of using specific substances often (a great deal, a lot, and a moderate amount) to health and healthy behaviors are shown below (n=691).

  • 82% think alcohol use is harmful
  • 97% think cigarette smoking is harmful
  • 96% think marijuana use is harmful
  • 95% think e-cigarette use is harmful
  • 96% think opioid use is harmful

Comparing National Health Behavior Data

Health behavior data from the most recent (2019) Youth Risk Behavior Survey of US 9th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest behavioral intentions (BI) data.  Middle school data were not available for the nation.  

  • 49% got physical activity 5 or more days a week vs. 88% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 29% got 8 or more hours sleep every night vs. 67% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 59% ate vegetables and fruit every day vs. 79% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 36% ate breakfast every morning vs. 59% BI for SPORT PPW

Comparing National Substance Use Data

Substance use data from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 8th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest behavioral intentions (BI).

  • 78% never drank alcohol vs. 83% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 90% never used marijuana vs. 94% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 93% never smoked a cigarette vs. 95% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 83% never vaped nicotine vs. 93% BI for SPORT PPW

Perceived harmfulness from regular use of specific substances from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 8th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest perceived harmfulness data.

  • 27% think drinking 1-2 drinks daily is harmful vs. 82% for SPORT PPW
  • 40% think smoking 1-5 cigarettes daily is harmful vs. 97% for SPORT PPW
  • 52% think marijuana use is harmful vs. 96% for SPORT PPW
  • 22% think e-cigarette use is harmful (2018) vs. 95% for SPORT PPW

Conclusions

Confidential online posttest surveys collected immediately after providing the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program to groups of middle school-aged youth across five states show most adolescents intend to engage in all five targeted health behaviors of physical activity, sleep, two healthy eating habits, and goal setting (ranging from 88%-59%).

Similarly, most youth participating in the one-session SPORT PPW program did not intend to use alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana or non-medical opioids in the next year (ranging from 95%-82%).

Most youth receiving SPORT PPW also perceived regular use of each of the measured five substances as harmful to their health or health habits (ranging from 97%-82%).

While not identical measures, comparing SPORT PPW posttest data to national survey data of youth health behaviors, substance use and perceived substance use harmfulness showed that youth receiving the SPORT PPW program were likely to engage in more healthy habits, avoid various substances and perceive substance use as more harmful than the general population of US youth.

Youth Reactions to Participating in the SPORT PPW Program

SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) was implemented to 1057 youth in groups over a three-year period (2020-2023) at 11 middle school districts and one Boys & Girls Clubs region across five states (New York, Michigan, Washington, Nebraska, and Missouri). 

Most youth were between the ages of 11-13 years old. 

Confidential online posttest surveys evaluating the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program were administered immediately after the program was presented to youth.

A content analysis was conducted using participating youth responses to a question about what they liked best about the program.

Responses were first coded, line-by-line.  The frequency of coded words and phrases were determined and those with 10 or more mentions were included in the analysis.

Content Analysis Themes

Coded words and phrases were then grouped into themes.

A total of seven themes were identified and are listed below, along with the number of coded works/phrases for each.

  1. Alcohol and Drug Use: 12 codes
  2. Motivation: 18 codes
  3. Goals: 4 codes
  4. Healthy Behaviors: 11 codes
  5. Program Effects: 27 codes
  6. Self: 6 codes
  7. Lesson Quality and Aspects: 7 codes

The number of codes ranged from a high of 27 for the theme “Program Effects” to a low of four codes for the theme “Goals”.

Alcohol and Drug Use

The theme Alcohol and Drug Use included 12 codes, with the most frequently used code words/phrases being: drugs (180), use (132), alcohol (59), real (58), and bad (54).

Two sub-themes emerged. One sub-theme was labeled “Drugs” and included codes like drugs, alcohol and smoke.  The other sub-theme was titled “Effects” and included codes such as use, bad and real (e.g., dangers of drugs).

Motivation

The theme Motivation included 18 codes, with the most frequently used code words/phrases being: do (229), more (90), made me (44), not to (44), and motivat(e)(34).

Goals

The theme Goals consisted of four codes, including goal (87), set (81), goal setting (29), and plan (11).

Healthy Behaviors

The theme Healthy Behaviors included 11 codes, with the most frequently used being: health (159), healthy (86), eat (67), sleep (53), and sports (30).

Program Effects

The theme Program Effects included 27 codes, with the most frequent being: help (142), what (e.g., to do)(92), more (e.g., energy)(90), learn (77), and know (75).

Self

The theme Self consisted of six codes, including me (363), to you (113), self (31), myself (15), for you (13), and fit (10).

Lesson Quality and Aspects

The theme Lesson Quality and Aspects was composed of seven codes, with the most frequent being: all (e.g., of it)(93), talk (57), and good (34).

Two sub-themes emerged.  One sub-theme was titled program “Quality” and included codes like all, good, nothing, and a lot. The second sub-theme was labeled program “Aspects” and included codes like talk, questions, and activities.

Summary

The content analysis of young adolescent post-program comments about participating in a group implemented SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program across five states identified seven themes.

These themes reflect the content and aims of the SPORT PPW program, including increasing awareness of alcohol and drug use and their effects, as well as health and specific healthy behaviors such as eating, sleep and sports.

Youth reported a focus on themselves and their goals and goal setting after participating in the SPORT PPW program which also reflect key program elements.

Youth motivation was a major post-program theme and reflected participants actions to “do” “more” and “made me” were influenced, which supports SPORT PPW as a motivational intervention.

Another major theme was program effects, which indicated youth found the SPORT PPW lesson helped them to learn, know and do more.

Finally, all program quality was rated largely as good, and participants particularly liked the talk, questions, and activities in the SPORT PPW lesson.

Conclusion

Together, the themes, sub-themes, codes and their frequencies highlight the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program as an effective motivational intervention that increased youth reflection on self and goal setting aimed as avoiding alcohol and drug use and increasing healthy habits.

Vaping PPW Post-Program Outcomes for Groups of Middle School Students

Vaping (E-Cigarette) Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) was implemented to 623 youth in groups over a two-year period (2020-2022) at middle schools in South Carolina and Ohio.   

Most youth were between the ages of 12-13 years old. 

Confidential online posttest surveys evaluating the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program were administered immediately after the program was presented to youth.

Healthy Behavior Intentions

Youth intentions (very likely and likely) to engage in health-promoting behaviors within the next year are shown below.

  • 88% to get physical activity most days
  • 63% to get 8 or more hours of sleep most nights
  • 78% to eat fruits and vegetables or mostly healthy foods most days
  • 59% to eat a healthy breakfast every morning (n=458)
  • 78% to set goals to improve health or fitness (n=458)

Substance Use Intentions

Youth intentions (very unlikely and unlikely) to use various substances within the next year are shown below.

  • 90% will not drink alcohol
  • 94% will not smoke cigarettes
  • 92% will not use marijuana
  • 88% will not use e-cigarettes
  • 95% will not use opioids or illegal drugs

Perceived Harmfulness of Substance Use

Youth perceived harmfulness of using specific substances often (a great deal, a lot, and a moderate amount) to health and healthy behaviors are shown below (n=458).

  • 85% think alcohol use is harmful
  • 88% think cigarette smoking is harmful
  • 85% think marijuana use is harmful
  • 87% think e-cigarette use is harmful
  • 88% think opioid use is harmful

Comparing National Health Behavior Data

Health behavior data from the most recent (2019) Youth Risk Behavior Survey of US 9th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest behavioral intentions (BI) data.  Middle school data were not available for the nation.  

  • 49% got physical activity 5 or more days a week vs. 88% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 29% got 8 or more hours sleep every night vs. 63% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 59% ate vegetables and fruit every day vs. 78% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 36% ate breakfast every morning vs. 59% BI for SPORT PPW

Comparing National Substance Use Data

Substance use data from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 8th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest behavioral intention (BI) data.

  • 78% never drank alcohol vs. 90% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 90% never used marijuana vs. 92% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 93% never smoked a cigarette vs. 94% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 83% never vaped nicotine vs. 88% BI for SPORT PPW

Perceived harmfulness from regular use of specific substances from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 8th grade students are shown below compared with SPORT PPW posttest perceived harmfulness.

  • 27% think drinking 1-2 drinks daily is harmful vs. 85% for SPORT PPW
  • 40% think smoking 1-5 cigarettes daily is harmful vs. 88% for SPORT PPW
  • 52% think marijuana use is harmful vs. 85% for SPORT PPW
  • 22% think e-cigarette use is harmful (2018) vs. 87% for SPORT PPW

Conclusions

Confidential online posttest surveys collected immediately after providing the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program to groups of middle school youth in two states show most adolescents intend to engage in all five targeted health behaviors of physical activity, sleep, two healthy eating habits, and goal setting (ranging from 88%-59%).

Similarly, most youth participating in the one-session Vaping PPW program did not intend to use alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana or non-medical opioids in the next year (ranging from 95%-82%).

Most youth receiving Vaping PPW also perceived regular use of each of the measured five substances as harmful to their health or health habits (ranging from 95%-88%).

While not identical measures, comparing Vaping PPW posttest data to national survey data of youth health behaviors, substance use and perceived substance use harmfulness showed that youth receiving the Vaping PPW program were likely to engage in more healthy habits, avoid various substances and perceive substance use as more harmful than the general population of US youth.

SPORT PPW Post-Program Outcomes for Groups of High School Students

SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) was implemented to 504 youth in groups over a two-year period (2021-2023) at high schools in Georgia and New Jersey.   

Most youth were between the ages of 14-15 years old. 

Confidential online posttest surveys evaluating the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program were administered immediately after the program was presented to youth.

Healthy Behavior Intentions

Youth intentions (very likely and likely) to engage in health-promoting behaviors within the next year are shown below.

  • 87% to get physical activity most days
  • 57% to get 8 or more hours of sleep most nights
  • 77% to eat fruits & vegetables or mostly healthy foods most days
  • 75% to set goals to improve health or fitness

Substance Use Intentions

Youth intentions (very unlikely and unlikely) to use various substances within the next year are shown below.

  • 75% will not drink alcohol
  • 92% will not smoke cigarettes
  • 80% will not use marijuana
  • 87% will not use e-cigarettes
  • 94% will not use opioids

Perceived Harmfulness of Substance Use

Youth perceived harmfulness of using specific substances often (a great deal, a lot, and a moderate amount) to health and healthy behaviors are shown below.

  • 88% think alcohol use is harmful
  • 91% think cigarette smoking is harmful
  • 81% think marijuana use is harmful
  • 88% think e-cigarette use is harmful
  • 91% think opioid use is harmful

Comparing National Health Behavior Data

Health behavior data from the most recent (2019) Youth Risk Behavior Survey of US high school students are shown below compared with posttest SPORT PPW behavioral intentions (BI) data.     

  • 44% got physical activity 5 or more days a week vs. 87% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 22% got 8 or more hours sleep every night vs. 57% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 59% ate vegetables and fruit every day vs. 77% BI for SPORT PPW

Comparing National Substance Use Data

Substance use data from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 10th grade students are shown below compared with posttest SPORT PPW behavioral intentions (BI) data.

  • 65% never drank alcohol vs. 75% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 78% never used marijuana vs. 80% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 90% never smoked a cigarette vs. 92% BI for SPORT PPW
  • 72% never vaped nicotine vs. 87% BI for SPORT PPW

Perceived harmfulness from regular use of specific substances from the most recent (2021) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of 10th grade students are shown below compared with posttest SPORT PPW perceived harmfulness data.

  • 35% think drinking 1-2 drinks daily is harmful vs. 88% for SPORT PPW
  • 46% think smoking 1-5 cigarettes daily is harmful vs. 91% for SPORT PPW
  • 41% think marijuana use is harmful vs. 81% for SPORT PPW
  • 53% think vaping e-liquid with nicotine vs. 88% for SPORT PPW

Conclusions

Confidential online posttest surveys collected immediately after providing the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program to groups of high school youth in two states show most adolescents intend to engage in all five targeted health behaviors of physical activity, sleep, two healthy eating habits, and goal setting (ranging from 87%-57%).

Similarly, most youth participating in the one-session SPORT PPW program did not intend to use alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, or non-medical opioids in the next year (ranging from 94%-75%).

Most youth receiving SPORT PPW also perceived regular use of each of the measured five substances as harmful to their health or health habits (ranging from 91%-81%).

While not identical measures, comparing SPORT PPW posttest data to national survey data of youth health behaviors, substance use and perceived substance use harmfulness showed that youth receiving the SPORT PPW program were likely to engage in more healthy habits, avoid various substances and perceive substance use as more harmful than the general population of US youth.