Demonstration of Smartphones as Viable Tools for Adolescent Substance Use Surveillance

Abstract

Background: Electronic platform surveys are ideal for self-administration in adolescent populations, as nearly all adolescents in the US report using or having access to smartphones. This technology-savvy population seems prepared to graduate away from paper surveys. Despite predicted advantages of using smartphones for data collection, there is a surprising lack of data regarding the use of this mode for surveillance of substance use trends among adolescent populations. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate completion rates, times, and responses of high school students taking the Secondary Student Life Survey: Nevada (SSLS:NV) on their own personal smartphones compared to provided computers or tablets. Methods: The SSLS:NV is a web-based survey designed to assess adolescent beliefs, attitudes, and use-trends surrounding substance use. The SSLS:NV was self-administered via self-selected device (personal vs. provided) within one class period to approximately one thousand 9th–12th grade students in December 2016. Data was collected and analyzed to compare outcomes by computer, tablet, or smartphone. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 23.0 using χ² or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and one-way ANOVA for continuous data. Results: SSLS:NV completion times averaged 21 min overall (p = .193). Differences were seen with completion rates of 86% smartphone 94% tablet, and 95% computer (p < .001), while responses to lifetime substance use were similar across all groups. Conclusions/Importance: The current study provides proof of concept that personal smartphones are effective in achieving more comprehensive adolescent substance use surveillance within a relatively short amount of time, while retaining robust response rates.

Keywords:

• Smartphone
• survey
• electronic
• web-based
• substance use
• adolescent
• skip-logic
• response-driven

Acknowledgments

This pilot study was funded by the generous support of individuals within the Southern Nevada community. A special thank you to our community sponsors who promoted this program within Nevada. Thank you to Roseman University administration, staff, and students who participated in making this project a success.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The development of the original Secondary Student Life Survey (SSLS) was supported with internal funds from the University of Michigan and by research grants R03 DA018272 (Boyd: PI) and R01 DA024678 (Boyd: PI) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health. The content of the SSLS is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the National Institutes of Health.