Impact of the Kusa prevention program on cannabis consumption and emotional competencies among French Polynesian adolescents

Abstract

Introduction:

French Polynesia has one of the highest cannabis use prevalences among French territories, particularly starting in adolescence. Difficulties in emotional competency are major factors contributing to the development and maintenance of cannabis use disorder. Therefore, a French prevention program targeting these competencies was adapted to the Polynesian sociocultural context.

Objectives:

This quantitative and longitudinal study evaluates the impact of the program on cannabis consumption and emotional competencies among Polynesian middle and high school students, specifically based on their levels of cannabis use.

Methods:

This study used repeated measures (pre- and 3-month post-program) with standardized questionnaires. Classes were randomized into two groups (program participation/control group), with 231 students included (57.8% girls, mean age 15.0 ± 0.77).

Results:

The Kusa program positively impacted non-users and low-users by improving emotional acceptance, awareness, verbalization, impulse control and reducing emotional intensity. Participants also demonstrated shifts in their cannabis use habits, with a larger proportion of participants reporting generally not consuming cannabis during the day, after the program. Frequent-users did not show significant changes in cannabis consumption but did exhibit increased emotional verbalization and awareness of emotional regulation difficulties.

Discussion:

The prevention program showed promising results in enhancing emotional competencies and potentially influencing cannabis consumption. These findings underscore the program’s benefits and support broader implementation in school settings.