Outcomes of a primary prevention project for business and professional women

Abstract

This article presents the results of an alcohol abuse prevention project targeting business and professional women. Pre-, post- and follow-up surveys of alcohol use, negative consequences and uses, and knowledge of alcohol were analyzed. Although changes in self-reported negative consequences and information about alcohol occurred in both groups, changes in the experimental group occurred earlier (during the intervention period). The experimental group also showed a significant decline in three unhealthy reasons for drinking. there was no change in alcohol consumption levels. In the context of primary prevention the lack of a change in consumption, in a group of light to moderate drinkers, is not unexpected. Other, positive outcomes suggest that the prevention activities were effective. Assessment of the value of the project is considered in light of the finding that negative behaviors did not increase among members of the control group. The results suggest that business and professional women are not developing alcohol-related problems at high rates.