Preventing Gambling-Related Harm Among Adolescents: process evaluation findings from a pilot cRCT

Abstract Background PRoGRAM-A (Preventing Gambling Related Harm in Adolescents) is a peer-led, social network intervention to protect young people, their friends and family members from gambling related harm (GRH). PRoGRAM-A was piloted tested in Scotland, UK, via in an 18 month, two-arm, pilot cluster randomised control trial with an embedded process evaluation. The process evaluation sought to explore intervention feasibility, acceptability, and to optimise future delivery and evaluation. Methods Mixed method research design. Individual interviews with teachers (n = 6), parents and carers (n = 2), public health, government and education stakeholders (n = 8); and focus group discussions with students (Peer non-Peer Supporters)(n = 25). Structured observations of the delivery of PRoGRAM-A in two schools were also conducted. Results The process evaluation demonstrated that PRoGRAM-A was acceptable to all stakeholder groups. PRoGRAM-A introduced a topic that was perceived to be not only relevant, but also filled a gap within the Scottish school curriculum. Stakeholder groups recognised the benefits of the delivery model, which utilised external trainers and peer-based model of learning and message diffusion. The content of PRoGRAM-A was broadly acceptable. Students suggested they would welcome examples of lived experience of GRH, and more information on the interplay between gambling and social gaming. Students (Peer Supporters) reported successfully instigating and sustaining conversations around the topic of gambling and GRH. Teachers were keen to embed the topic of gambling and GRH within their curriculum and welcomed the option to deliver a future cycle of PRoGRAM-A. Conclusions PROGRAM-A is an acceptable school-based peer-led intervention to prevent gambling behaviour. PRoGRAM-A addresses a topic, which is a growing public health concern, and provides schools with an intervention that allows them to fill a gap within the national secondary school curriculum. Key messages • PRoGRAM-A is the first non-industry funded school-based, peer-led education intervention within the UK that seeks to prevent young people from gambling harm. • PRoGRAM-A was both acceptable and feasible to a range of stakeholder groups. Recommendations are that PRoGRAM-A should progress to a full-scale definitive Trial.