Environmental Prevention Strategies to Reduce Community Alcohol Problems: A Randomized Trial

Introduction: In this study, we are evaluating effects of the California Strategic Prevention Framework/State Incentive Grant (SPF/SIG) in 24 cities, half of which were randomly assigned to an intervention group and half to a control group. For the 12 intervention cities, we are working with county prevention coordinators, community coalitions and local enforcement agencies to strengthen local alcohol regulatory policies and increase the level of policy enforcement. 

Methods: We are using logic models to determine what evidence-based strategies are needed to reduce social and commercial availability of alcohol to underage youth, and to reduce excessive drinking and alcohol-related problems such as drinking and driving among adolescents and young adults. Policies such as mandatory responsible beverage service training and social host ordinances may help to reduce alcohol availability to underage youth, along with enforcement activities such as minor decoy operations. Better enforcement of drink-driving laws through DUI sobriety checkpoints may help to reduce drinking and driving and alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes among young people.

Results: Over a period of five years, we will compare the 12 intervention cities that are working with us to implement these strategies and 12 control cities that are similar in terms of alcohol problems and demographic characteristics. We will use existing data from sources such as the California Healthy Kids Survey and Statewide Traffic Reporting System to compare changes in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in intervention versus comparison cities. We will also conduct two surveys of approximately 3,800 adolescents and young adults (160 per city) to examine possible mediators of environmental prevention strategies, including perceived enforcement of alcohol laws, perceived availability of alcohol, and alcohol expectancies.

Conclusions: This study will help us to learn more about how to strengthen local alcohol policies and increase enforcement activities, and the extent to which these changes have an impact on community alcohol problems.