162331 **SESSION ABSTRACT** Development and Effectiveness of a Web-Based Alcohol Intervention in the Military

Monday, November 5, 2007: 8:30 AM

Michael Pemberton, PhD , Health, Social, and Economic Research, RTI International, New Orleans, LA
Robert Bray, PhD , Health, Social, and Economic Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
Rebekah Hersch, BA, MA, PhD , ISA Associates, Alexandria, VA
Royer Cook, BS, MA, PhD , ISA Associates, Alexandria, VA
Reid Hester, PhD , Behavior Therapy Associates, Albuquerque, NM
        
The intent of this session is to describe the development and initial behavioral effects of the Program for Alcohol Training, Research, and Online Learning (PATROL), a Web-based alcohol intervention in the military. PATROL is an ongoing program designed to develop and test the effectiveness of a Web-based alcohol education program among active duty military personnel. PATROL is funded by the TRICARE Management Activity within the Department of Defense. For PATROL, two Web-based alcohol interventions that were originally designed for civilian populations were adapted for use in the military, and a pilot test was conducted at eight military installations. The five speakers in this session will provide background information on alcohol use in the military, describe and give demonstrations of the two Web-based alcohol interventions, summarize the pilot study data on program effectiveness, and discuss the role of research in determining military health policy.

Moderator: Michael Pemberton, PhD, RTI International

Presentation #1. Prevalence and Correlates of Alcohol Use in the Military (Robert Bray, PhD, RTI International): 15 min

Presentation #2. Alcohol Savvy: Development and Military Modifications (Rebekah Hersch, PhD, ISA Associates): 20 min

Presentation #3. The Drinker's Check-Up: Development and Military Modifications (Reid Hester, PhD, Behavior Therapy Associates): 20 min

Presentation #4. PATROL Pilot Study: Findings and Future Plans (Michael Pemberton, PhD, RTI International): 20 min

Presentation #5. The Role of Research in Department of Defense Health Policy (Lt Col Glenda Mitchell, TRICARE Management Authority): 10 min

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the usefulness of web-based alcohol education programs in the United States military. 2. Identify the key features of the web-based programs that have been selected for use in this military pilot test 3. Assess the effectiveness of these web-based programs in reducing heavy alcohol use in the military.

Keywords: Alcohol, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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