Question

Suppose that you are working for an agency that has been tasked by the mayor to develop a strategy to reduce drinking among high school and college students. Must use only peer reviewed sources and .gov websites. Other reference can be https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6618a4.htm

What type of program do you think would be most promising to help this population reduce their drinking? For example, would you be more likely to support a family program, a school program or a community based program? What evidence exists to support your choice?

Answer 1

The prevention plan for alcohol use will be designed keeping in mind the target population. Thus since the target for the district plan are high school students and young adults (college students), a prevention plan whch is base din community level intervention will be helpful. This is because young adults are by and large more socially active and outgoing. As they explore and establish interpersonal relationships outside of their immediate family with their peer groups, hobby or political groups, they are more likely to be emotionally invested in these spaces be more influenced by the norms and values of these social groups. Thus, intervention programmes at the level of the district theatre or music groups such as through awareness concerts would be effective in attracting the attention of the youth through stimulating activities. Although other intervention programmes such as school plans have been commonly used for this target group, it is noted that young adults tend to formulate their identity outside the confines of the norm bound environment of the school and the family. Thus, an intervention in the spaces to which they are more attracted would be more adequate with the changing time. Moreover, the community plan can have the added advantage of getting the cooperation restaurants and bars serving alcohol. A local bill can be passed seeking the participation of the bars to put a limit on the sale and service of alcoholic beverages beyond 2-3 servings to consumers in the age group of 18-25 years. This can further help to reduce the adverse effects of alcohol over consumption such as aggression and driving accidents.