The goal of this project is to evaluate a media literacy substance use prevention intervention, Media Detective Family, for parents and their school-aged children using a randomized controlled trial and establish MDF as an evidence-based intervention. MDF reduces barriers to prevention efforts in rural areas by delivering the intervention on an interactive website or a mobile or wireless devise. MDF focuses on improving children's alcohol and tobacco use knowledge and intentions, and adults' and children's media literacy knowledge and skills. A total of approximately 200 parent-child pairs will be recruited from 6 rural counties in North Carolina and Texas, with 100 pairs randomly assigned to each condition (intervention/control). Information will be collected on knowledge, norms, skills, behavior, behavioral intentions, and demographic characteristics of participating children and adults. Data collection using audio computer-assisted self interviewing will occur at three time points: at pretest, after using MDF or a control computer program for one month, and at 3-month follow-up. Benefits will include improvements in critical thinking skills and parent-child communication about substances and the media, and an increase in rural families receiving evidence-based prevention programming.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.