A program to prevent vaping and prescription drug misuse among upper elementary school students
Official title: A Hybrid Program to Prevent Substance Use Risk among Upper Elementary School Students Using a Positive Youth Development Approach
Funded at National Health Promotion Associates · NIH-11006153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program that mixes online lessons and in-person classes to help upper elementary school kids learn about the dangers of vaping and misusing prescription drugs, all while encouraging them to make healthier choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Health Promotion Associates NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $305,046 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DA061665-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are upper elementary school students who are at risk for substance use behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not in upper elementary school or those who are already engaged in substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and test a hybrid program that combines online learning and classroom instruction to prevent vaping and prescription drug misuse among upper elementary school students. By utilizing a positive youth development approach, the program seeks to engage students in learning about the risks associated with substance use and promote healthier behaviors. The intervention will adapt the proven Life Skills Training program to fit the needs of younger students, addressing the urgent need for effective prevention strategies in this age group. The program will be rigorously evaluated to assess its effectiveness in changing behaviors related to substance use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of vaping and prescription drug misuse among young students, leading to healthier lifestyles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar hybrid prevention programs, particularly those based on the Life Skills Training model.
Where this research is happening
-
National Health Promotion Associates
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Christopher — National Health Promotion Associates
- Study coordinator: Williams, Christopher
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Preventing Suicide Among Teens Who Use Substances in School Settings
Aims to see if how schools respond to substance-use incidents (like alcohol or drugs) can lower suicide risk among high‑risk students.
-
People and Place: How geography affects HIV care and substance use in Los Angeles
Aims to understand how where you live in LA affects HIV care and substance use, and to adapt a proven intervention to help PLWH who use substances connect with better care.
-
A crowdsourced, survivor-led approach to boost HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose-prevention service use for sex trafficking survivors in NYC
A NYC-based study tests a survivor-driven digital messaging approach and at-home tests to help sex trafficking survivors increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and use overdose-prevention resources.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.