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Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 11 high schools. After an intensive full day workshop, teachers integrated the 15-session COPE TEEN program into their high school health course. The attention control group also implemented a 15-session program focused on health topics, such as safety and skin care. Immediate post-intervention outcomes were assessed using linear mixed models, repeated measures ANCOVAs, and Generalized Estimating Equations with measures that were significantly different at baseline entered as covariates.
Results: Significant differences between the two study groups were identified immediate post-intervention. COPE teens were more active than attention control teens on pedometer steps (p=.003). Teens in the COPE group were rated higher by their teachers using the Social Skills Rating System for Cooperation (p=.002), Assertion (p<.001) and Academic Competence (p=.04). COPE teens earned a higher grade in their health course compared to Healthy Teens (p=.01). Additionally, COPE teens reported significantly less alcohol use than Healthy Teens (p=.04).
Conclusion: Findings from our trial support that a cognitive-behavioral skills building intervention can positively impact a variety of important outcomes for vulnerable high school adolescents at risk for a multitude of poor health and academic problems. Routine integration of the COPE program into health education curricula by teachers in “real world” high school settings has the potential to improve health and academic outcomes in high-risk populations of teens.