During National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Weeks of 1992, 1994, and 1995, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) feedback was offered to pedestrians. Two BAC feedback stations were set up near bars frequented by many university students, and were staffed for either two or three consecutive nights. These stations provided passers-by with their BAC, as determined by portable breathalyzers. Across the three years of the study, a total of 1,590 individuals (1,192, and 398 women) participated. The mean BAC for all participants was 0.063, ranging from 0.0 to 0.310. Data analysis revealed a main effect for BAC across days, with average BAC being significantly greater on Thursdays than Fridays. A main effect was also found for time, with BACs becoming higher as the night progressed. No main effect for gender was found. However, a significant gender by day of the week interaction resulted from female BAC being higher than those of males on Thursdays, but male BAC being higher on Fridays. Implications of findings for intervention efforts aimed at curtailing DUI and other alcohol related problems are discussed. (A)
Samenvatting