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Does Targeted Prevention Work? Evidence From Recent Trends in Alcohol Problems in Ontario

NCJ Number
160781
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 124-131
Author(s)
R E Mann; R G Smart; L Anglin; E Adlaf
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the potential impact of targeted and untargeted prevention measures on three alcohol-related problems in Ontario (Canada): drinking among young people, drinking and driving, and alcohol problems in the general population.
Abstract
In each of the areas examined, targeted prevention activities have been associated with a substantial reduction in the measure of the problem which it most directly affects. Thus, among young people, the prevalence of alcohol use declined after increases in primary prevention. Similarly, the proportion of fatally injured drivers who had been drinking declined, as did the proportion of first offenders among convicted drinking drivers, following major primary prevention efforts. In adults, morbidity and mortality from cirrhosis declined following substantial increases in secondary and tertiary prevention. Thus, these observations suggest that targeted prevention can have a large impact on population-based or aggregate problem measures. Although these effects may accumulate slowly, given sufficient time their impact may be substantial. Those aspects of the problems not targeted, or for which no substantial increase in prevention activity could be observed, changed little or even increased in severity. Among young people, the proportion using alcohol and drugs heavily (i.e., at whom secondary or tertiary prevention might be directed) increased significantly. Among convicted drinking drivers, the proportion who were multiple offenders more than doubled. Among drinkers in general, per capita consumption showed little change. These findings suggest that targeted prevention efforts have no spillover effects onto groups not targeted. 14 references and a table that shows aspects of alcohol problems targeted and not targeted, along with indicators of impact