Characteristics of mobile-based brief interventions targeting substance use among youth: a rapid review

ABSTRACT

Background

Substance use remains an important contributor to morbidity and mortality among youth. Mobile-based brief interventions (MBBIs) can leverage technology to deliver interventions aimed at preventing substance use among youth.

Methods

We conducted a rapid review to examine the characteristics of MBBIs delivered via mobile technologies that have been developed to target substance use among youth (ages 15 to 24). We aimed to synthesize (a) technology types, (b) theoretical underpinnings, and (c) outcome measures and findings.

Results

Eighteen articles met inclusion criteria. Text messaging was the most reported technology type (n = 11), followed by smartphone accessible web-based applications (n= 5), a smartphone only application (n= 1), and a study reporting both types of applications (n= 1). Motivational interviewing (n= 13) and the FRAMES model for brief interventions’s (n= 7; feedback, responsibility, advice, menu of options, empathy, and self-efficacy) were the most common theories used. Almost all studies (n= 15) focused on alcohol-use only outcomes, with results demonstrating mixed support on the efficacy.

Conclusions

Our findings offer a better understanding on the characteristics of existing MBBIs targeting substance use among youth. Future research is warranted, including a greater emphasis on sex and gender considerations and research on interventions targeting substances aside from alcohol.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance use
• youth
• brief intervention
• mobile-based intervention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.