A study on evaluating the intervention program's outcomes on alcohol-related harm prevention and control through participation of senior public health volunteers

Abstract

Drinking too much causes many problems on human health, economics and social order. Being aware of this situation, from May 2010, Vietnam Public Health Association has piloted development of a network of 55 senior public health volunteers (SPHVs) participating in the intervention program on alcohol-related harm prevention and control in Phuong Cong, a rural commune of Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province. This article will introduce and provide an assessment of intervention program's outcomes on reduction of alcohol use level of men aged between 18-60 years relying on the network of SPHVs in Tien Hai, Thai Binh. The research team has conducted four assessment rounds from December 2010 to April 2012. The tool of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used throughout four rounds in order to assess the alcohol use level of each individual and the rate of men aged 18-60 years using alcohol according to each level before and after receiving BRIEF intervention. The findings indicated that the number of men using alcohol at safe level increased by 10.2%. This change was statistically significant (p <0.05). To sum up, using BRIEF intervention is possible to help men aged 18-60 years reduce the level of alcohol consumption. The research team will have further in-depth evaluations in larger scales to prove the effectiveness of BRIEF intervention at the community in the coming time.