Most users of illicit drugs are employed adults and the construction industry has particularly high substance use rates. However, little research has been conducted with this population. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of a comprehensive prevention program on substance use by construction industry workers. The underlying conceptual model for the project is based on a social-learning framework, and includes a focus on raising worker awareness, motivation, and knowledge about health and substance use – providing participants with both the knowledge and skills to change behaviors. The model contends that avoidance of substance use will occur as healthful behaviors provide rewards. The model also supports the belief that individuals do not engage in abrupt changes in health behaviors but instead proceed through stages of change. Using a pretest/posttest design with random assignment, ISA tested the “Power Tools: Healthy Choices for Personal Power” program with construction industry workers. The program included health promotion/substance abuse prevention classes, videos, and print materials. One hundred and fifty-seven workers participated in the program and completed pretest and posttest in-person interviews. Interviews were augmented by analyses of hair and urine samples. Results will be presented describing program effects on worker’s health and job locus of control, alcohol use, 30-day drug use, 12-month drug use, drug use problems, stress index, family concerns, and HIV knowledge. Analysis of co-variance will be used to assess differences between program and control group participants. Implications for developing substance abuse prevention programs for high-risk, blue-collar workers will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Describe substance use among construction industry workers, 2. Discuss innovative substance abuse prevention program elements for this high risk population, and 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the "Power Tools" program on construction industry substance use behavior
Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Worksite
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.