The study described in this scientific poster is designed to determine if Brief Intervention (BI) strategies are effective in reducing alcohol intake, and preventing future injuries in non-alcohol dependent young adults injured in alcohol-related (blood alcohol equal to or more than 10/dL) motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). The study uses an experimental design with a control group, and two experimental groups: Simple Advice (SA) and Brief Counseling (BC). Subjects have experienced an alcohol-related injury due to a MVC sufficient to require hospitalization. After random assignment to groups, all subjects received the Health Interview Schedule with `Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test' (AUDIT) and 'Timeline Follow-Back' (TLFB). Specially trained nurse clinicians then provided the appropriate intervention in the two experimental groups. Thirty days after discharge, subjects in the experimental groups were interviewed again, and received a second intervention or a booster dose. At 3, 6, and 12 months of discharge, subjects were interviewed by phone. Preliminary findings with half (n=60) of the sample completing the 12 month data collection period are given. At 12 months, 82% of the BC group have decreased their drinking, as compared to 50% of the control group and 54% of the SA group. BI appears to be successful in reducing total drinking and binge drinking following vehicular injury serious enough to cause hospitalization.
Abstract