The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42734

Jane A Ungemack, DrPH, Joseph A. Burleson, PhD, and Jennifer E. Sussman, MFA. Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 260, MC 6325, Farmington, CT 06030-6325, (860) 679-5403, ungemack@nso2.uchc.edu

National data show that nearly 25% of children in the United States are exposed to alcohol abuse or dependence in the family. Children of substance-abusing parents (COSAPs) are a vulnerable population at high risk of substance-related problems. The family environment constitutes a primary domain of influence on a child that can either increase risk or provide protection from the likelihood of alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drug use and other psychosocial problems. The COSAP study analyzed process and outcomes variables to describe the implementation of a science-based family strengthening intervention in different community settings in Connecticut, and to determine the effectiveness of the parent- and child-based family strengthening intervention over a child-only (comparison) program. Evaluators hypothesized that the intervention would both directly and indirectly, through parental and family changes, influence the child's behavior and risk and protective factors. Process analysis identified program components and contextual conditions central to successful implementation, and produced recommendations for future implementation in community settings. Outcomes analysis showed a differential change in the children's problem behaviors. Results showed both short-term and long-term benefits pertaining to shyness, impulsivity, and depression, with delayed effects on aggressive/disruptive behavior. Results showed mild support for the effectiveness of the Family Connection Program over the child-only intervention at exit and follow-up. Evaluation of feasibility and fidelity issues and the conditions necessary to launch a community-based prevention program will inform prevention planning by service providers. The outcomes results are of interest to research and prevention professionals evaluating existing science-based prevention programs and practices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to

• Identify the key outcomes of the Connecticut COSAP study;
• Evaluate the success of the COSAP Family Connection Project based on key process and outcomes findings;
• Recognize the program components and contextual conditions necessary to successfully mount a community-based AOD prevention program for families; 4)Apply the lessons learned in Connecticut's implementation of the COSAP Family Connection Project to implementation of family-focused substance abuse prevention programs in community settings.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.