Evaluation of early intervention strategies used in primary health care: a report on the World Health Organization (WHO) Project on Identification and Treatment of Persons with Harmful Alcohol Consumption

Abstract

In primary health care settings a randomized control study of early intervention in patients with harmful alcohol consumption was organized. The paper presents the results of a follow-up assessment of the control and three intervention groups: Simple Advice, Brief Counselling and Extended Counselling conditions. The findings indicate that intervention strategies used for the management of persons with harmful alcohol consumption in primary health care appears to be highly effective for many drinkers.