Reducing high-risk drinking and alcohol-related harm among young adult males using evidence-based prevention strategies

Purpose: To identify effective evidence-based prevention strategies aimed at reducing the rates of high-risk drinking behavior and alcohol-related injury in young adult males aged 15-24, excluding drinking and driving. Method: This systematic review searched for articles from relevant online indexes. Articles were selected based on a priori grading criteria established by the research team with a focus on the target age and gender group and from comparable jurisdictions both internationally and nationally. Within this focus area, original studies or high-quality review with a strong research design and methodologic rigor were considered to be of highest quality. Almost 500 research articles were reviewed of which 71 with superior design and scope were selected for inclusion and detailed analysis. Results: In order to reduce sales to minors and prevention intoxication, several high impact interventions/policies were noted at the population level: pricing and taxation on alcohol, reduced density of outlets, enforcement of responsible service practices. Education and awareness strategies were effective in impacting knowledge and building capacity through skill development to reduce high-risk use but impact on behavior change was minimal. The effectiveness of product modification is not yet determined. Implications: It is recommended that prevention/policy response be organized into two tiers: 1) population level responses (i.e., pricing and taxation, physical availability, marketing and advertising) and 2) focused individual response (i.e., minimum legal age, altering drinking context, education and persuasion and screening and brief intervention).