Effects of Resilience Interventions Targeting Amphetamine - type Stimulant Use among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
The rising prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, among adolescents, presents a critical public health issue. Despite the known benefits of resilience interventions in reducing the use of other substances, their effects on these stimulants remain underexplored. This study assessed the effectiveness of resilience interventions in mitigating amphetamine-type stimulant use among adolescents. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, and ProQuest databases. Only English-language studies published between 2003 and 2024 were included. A meta-analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 with subgroup analyses based on the study design, setting, and intervention approach. Of the 791 records screened, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Resilience interventions delivered in school settings significantly reduced methamphetamine use (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.40 to 4.44; p = 0.00). Online interventions were also effective in reducing methamphetamine use (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.27 to 6.96; p = 0.01). Although cluster randomized controlled trials did not yield statistically significant results, they indicated a trend toward effectiveness in reducing methamphetamine use (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.21; p = 0.08). No significant impact was observed on ecstasy use and evidence regarding amphetamine use remains limited. In conclusion, resilience interventions are promising for reducing methamphetamine use among adolescents, particularly in school and digital settings. However, further research is needed to assess their impact on other stimulants and inform more comprehensive prevention strategies.