Reducing underage alcohol use county-wide using a comprehensive intervention based on SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework

Objective: Although there are effective interventions to reduce underage drinking, disseminating evidenced-based alcohol prevention programs into ‘real-world' communities remains a challenge. This purpose of this research is to test the Strategic Prevention Framework advocated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as a model for such dissemination, and evaluate its effect on alcohol use by youth ages 12-17. Method: Community-based translational research in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. The Strategic Prevention Framework was used to assess community needs and implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce underage drinking county-wide. Four county-wide evidence-based programs targeting youth, parents and the community were added to one pre-existing school-based program. County-wide youth alcohol measures from Parent Resource Institute Drug Education surveys, administered every 2-3 years to the county's middle and high school students, were used to assess underage drinking. Results were compared with available state and national data on underage drinking. Results: From 2001 to 2009, Eau Claire County implemented a comprehensive evidence-based strategy to reduce underage alcohol use using the Strategic Prevention Framework. During this time there was a 8.6% decline in past-month alcohol use (p<.05) and a 20.5% decline in reported ease of obtaining alcohol (p<.05). From 2004 to 2009 there was a 5.8% decrease in binge alcohol use (p<.05) and a 12.0% increase in perceived parental disapproval of alcohol use (p<.05). Similar changes were not observed in state and national data during this time period. Conclusion: The Strategic Prevention Framework is a promising model for communities seeking to reduce underage drinking.