Thesis (MPH)-- University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2012. / Alcohol use and abuse is highly prevalent among university students and it is a major health concern for universities across the globe. It is important to identify students at risk of, and those who engage in heavy drinking and the reasons thereof so that early identification and referral for intervention can be made before students at risk suffer dire consequences. The aim .of this study was to determine the pattern of alcohol use among the health care science students at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus). A quantitative, cross-sectional approach was utilised. Data was gathered by the use of a self administered questionnaire. Stratified and cluster techniques were used to obtain the sample. Descriptive statistics was used to describe data and explore relationships. Relationships between variables of interest were established by using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho). The prevalence of alcohol use among the participants was relatively low (23%). 15% of respondents were categorized as light drinkers, 3.5% moderate drinkers and 3.5% heavy drinkers. The respondents scored the lowest on the Peer Pressure motive for alcohol use (35.6%) and equal on the Personal Enjoyment and Tension Reduction category, both having mean scores of39% respectively. The Spearman's rho revealed statistically significant relationships among the different types of drinking categories and the following drinking motives: to experience a good time, to feel good, to cheer up and to ease when blamed. This studies finding revealed that the prevalence of alcohol use among health care science students at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus) was exceptionally low. The study also brought to light that social motives for drinking was the primary drinking motive and the correlations between the patterns and motives for drinking were only found among four sub categories from the drinkin motives sub-scales.

Alcohol and cannabis are the two most commonly used licit and illicit drugs in most developing countries including Australia. The burden of disease, social costs and harms associated with the use of these drugs is considerable. As such, the need for prevention is clear. Although an array of school-based drug prevention programs exist, the majority of these show minimal effects in reducing actual drug use. The most common impediments to their success concern obstacles to implementation and dissemination of programs, and a lack of sequential and developmentally appropriate messages. The aim of this thesis was to address these limitations by developing and evaluating an integrated school-based prevention program to reduce alcohol and cannabis use. The innovative program known as the Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course is founded on current evidence-based research, adopts a harm-minimisation approach to drug prevention and is embedded within the school health curriculum. The core content of the program is delivered over the internet using novel cartoon storylines to engage students. The early development of the course consisted of a cross-validation trial to test the feasibility and generalisability of an existing Climate Schools program for alcohol prevention. Extensive collaboration with teachers, students and health professionals was later conducted to extend and modify the Climate Schools framework to include the prevention of cannabis use. To date, this is the first time an internet-based harm-minimisation cannabis prevention program has been developed for use in schools. To establish the efficacy of the comprehensive Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, a cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted with 10 schools in Sydney (n = 764). Results from this trial demonstrated the innovative course to be effective in increasing knowledge regarding alcohol and cannabis use, and in decreasing the use of these drugs six months following the intervention. This novel approach was found to be acceptable to students and teachers as a means of delivering drug education in schools. This thesis provides support for the more widespread dissemination of the Climate Schools model in schools. The barriers to dissemination require further research and are discussed.

With international concern growing over the sharp increase in alcohol-related physical, psychological and social problems, effort has been directed over the past decade toward arresting the growth of the situation created by alcoholism in western society. Alcoholism is defined and treatment approaches are discussed, along with the methodological problems encountered in evaluating such approaches. An innovative technique, ALCONFRONTATION, is described and examined. Encouraging claims have been made by the author of Alconfrontation in provoking drug dependent persons to choose to become independent of their drug of choice. A study designed to evaluate the impact of the technique in comparison with another treatment approach and a control group of "no treatment" is described. Cases diagnosed alcoholic who were consecutively admitted to a psychiatric admission centre were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Pre-treatment data were collected on all subjects prior to treatment. The groups were followed up six to seven months later and comparisons were made between groups on variables related to life style and sobriety using Chi-square and Federighi's Exact test. Absence of significant differences between groups indicated no evidence of treatment effect. Few subjects were sober on follow-up. It is concluded that Alconfrontation did not positively affect the drinking behaviour and life patterns of alcoholics in this study. Further research is suggested to determine if the technique has any negative impact. Recommendations for alternative management and treatment of chronic alcoholics are made. A two level programme consisting of a community co operative support system and a "Total Push" interdisciplinary team treatment facility is suggested and outlined. / Masters Thesis

A sample of 1,003 women, age 22 in 1983-84 and age 27 in 1988-89, were selected from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Personal, familial, and geopolitical predictors of alcohol consumption were evaluated at each time period and longitudinally. The study integrated macro- and micro-level influences to determine their influence on individual alcohol consumption. Personal and familial were most influential. Availability of alcohol and political economy had little effect on consumption. Mother's history of alcohol abuse was more important than father's. At age 22 education, being married, and having children reduced consumption, as did a prior affiliation with a religion that proscribed the use of alcohol reduced consumption. At age 27 education, being married, and children decreased consumption, but religious affiliation and parent's consumption were not significant. While marital status at age 22 reduced drinking at that age, it lead to greater consumption at age 27. / Graduation date: 1995

Although numerous studies have documented the consequences of victimization on psychological distress, few have directly examined potential moderators of this association. Using data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project (1999-2001), a probability sample of 2,402 low-income women with children living in low-income neighborhoods in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio, I predict psychological distress with measures of physical assault and sexual coercion before age 18 and psychological aggression, sexual coercion, and minor and severe physical assault in the past year. I also test the moderating influence of alcohol consumption. Cross-sectional results suggest that the effects of sexual coercion before age 18 and severe physical assault in the past year are moderated or exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Longitudinal results indicate that alcohol consumption exacerbates the effects of psychological aggression and minor physical assault in the past year on changes in psychological distress over time.

This dissertation presents three separate studies designed to provide structure and evidence-based insight into the characteristics associated with responsible drinking. First, a primer on the responsible drinking message will be presented discussing: (a) the origins and evolution of this message, (b) alcohol product advertisements evincing a responsible drinking prevention message, and (c) practical and ethical concerns associated with brewer-sponsored responsible drinking campaigns. Additionally, the primer will also present systematic reviews of twenty (n=20) empirical studies utilizing the responsible drinking concept to determine the manner in which researchers currently conceptualize and explain characteristics of responsible drinking in their reports. Secondly, a qualitative examination of college students’ beliefs, motivations, intentions, and behaviors regarding responsible drinking will be presented. Employing an emergent design, the data collection process encompassed four focus group sessions and three separate, personal interviews. The final sample size comprised thirteen individuals (Focus Group n=10; Personal Interview n=3). A conceptual model will also be proposed to assist in interpreting the qualitative findings and theorizing about factors influencing intentions to drink responsibly. Lastly, drawing upon the theoretical model and qualitative findings, the development and rigorous psychometric testing of a web-based instrument - Characteristics of Responsible Drinking Survey (CHORDS) – will be discussed. Zoomerang™ served as the host-site for both the pilot- and final testing phases of the CHORDS. The final sample (n=729) comprised a random set of individuals drawn from all currently enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) attending Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station. Principal components exploratory factor analysis revealed the CHORDS consists of five scales (61 total items) whose scores exhibit high internal consistency reliability. These scales include: Behavioral Beliefs, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, Barriers and Behavioral Intention. Scales were found to measure the same underlying construct, as outlined in the theoretical model. Prior to this study, scientific literature contained no scholarly attempts to distinguish responsible drinking characteristics; no theoretically-based explanation or examination of the interactions among responsible drinking variables; and no instruments expressly intended to measure responsible drinking intentions. Thus, this study represents the first step toward addressing the limitations associated with responsible drinking and filling the apparent conceptual gaps.

La presente Tesis, tiene por objeto, proponer la implementación de un equipo clínico Criminológico multidisciplinario, integrado por Abogados Criminólogos y Penalistas, Médicos Generales, Psiquiatras, Sociólogos, Psicólogos, Trabajadores Sociales, Profesores y personal que brinde ayuda espiritual y religiosa, que deberá encargarse de la planificación, ejecución y evaluación del tratamiento penitenciario. Todo esto, por que actualmente, se ha podido comprobar por los Jueces de Ejecución Penal y supervisión, tratadistas especializados en la materia y los medios de comunicación social, oral, escrita y televisiva, que el tratamiento penitenciario tiene muchas deficiencias, por lo que no se logra la ansiada readaptación y enmienda de los privados de libertad, que es el fin de la pena establecido por el artículo 25 del Código Penal.

The purpose of this study was to explore Grade 11 students perceptions of programs related to the prevention of alcohol use in four Saskatchewan high schools through an analysis of data elicited from student questionnaires and focus groups. Utilizing a case study design, information regarding current prevention policies in the schools was obtained by interviewing school principals. Interviews were then conducted with teachers and counsellors to determine the context in which the students were learning and included collecting data about the programs that were being delivered. In the final phase, 452 student questionnaires were administered and four focus groups were undertaken to explore students perceptions of alcohol prevention programs.<p> It was found that formal and informal school programs to prevent alcohol use were influenced by a number of factors. Time was an essential factor in allowing information to be conveyed to students. Although the topic of alcohol prevention was included within the health curriculum, there was limited time allotted to present this information in an effective manner. In fact, senior high school students did not receive any formal health education. With regard to alcohol prevention, the students identified that practicing resistance skills, the delivery of developmentally appropriate accurate information, and personal stories would contribute to their engagement in prevention programs and improve program efficacy. Methods of program delivery including peer interaction should be considered at all levels including the Grade 9 level when a large proportion of students reported that they started using alcohol. For the students in this study, the location and methods for student referrals to support services should be more transparent and accessible.<p> The findings of this study generated several implications for practice, policy, and research. First, systematic monitoring of students alcohol use would be useful in informing policy and program development. In adjunct to programs, teacher professional development should be implemented and informed by evidence-based practice to ensure consistency in the program goals and objectives. To support a comprehensive program with clear and consistent messages, policy needs to include the educative approach, professional development, strategies for student infractions, referral processes, parental information and guidelines, and evaluative measures. Implications for research underline the need for further exploration of students perceptions of zero tolerance policy, the nature of engaging prevention-related content, and efficacy of methods of information delivery to students on the risk continuum. Questions concerning how to actively involve parents at the school level need to be pursued.

The purpose of this study was to explore Grade 11 students perceptions of programs related to the prevention of alcohol use in four Saskatchewan high schools through an analysis of data elicited from student questionnaires and focus groups. Utilizing a case study design, information regarding current prevention policies in the schools was obtained by interviewing school principals. Interviews were then conducted with teachers and counsellors to determine the context in which the students were learning and included collecting data about the programs that were being delivered. In the final phase, 452 student questionnaires were administered and four focus groups were undertaken to explore students perceptions of alcohol prevention programs.<p> It was found that formal and informal school programs to prevent alcohol use were influenced by a number of factors. Time was an essential factor in allowing information to be conveyed to students. Although the topic of alcohol prevention was included within the health curriculum, there was limited time allotted to present this information in an effective manner. In fact, senior high school students did not receive any formal health education. With regard to alcohol prevention, the students identified that practicing resistance skills, the delivery of developmentally appropriate accurate information, and personal stories would contribute to their engagement in prevention programs and improve program efficacy. Methods of program delivery including peer interaction should be considered at all levels including the Grade 9 level when a large proportion of students reported that they started using alcohol. For the students in this study, the location and methods for student referrals to support services should be more transparent and accessible.<p> The findings of this study generated several implications for practice, policy, and research. First, systematic monitoring of students alcohol use would be useful in informing policy and program development. In adjunct to programs, teacher professional development should be implemented and informed by evidence-based practice to ensure consistency in the program goals and objectives. To support a comprehensive program with clear and consistent messages, policy needs to include the educative approach, professional development, strategies for student infractions, referral processes, parental information and guidelines, and evaluative measures. Implications for research underline the need for further exploration of students perceptions of zero tolerance policy, the nature of engaging prevention-related content, and efficacy of methods of information delivery to students on the risk continuum. Questions concerning how to actively involve parents at the school level need to be pursued.

This dissertation presents three separate studies designed to provide structure and evidence-based insight into the characteristics associated with responsible drinking. First, a primer on the responsible drinking message will be presented discussing: (a) the origins and evolution of this message, (b) alcohol product advertisements evincing a responsible drinking prevention message, and (c) practical and ethical concerns associated with brewer-sponsored responsible drinking campaigns. Additionally, the primer will also present systematic reviews of twenty (n=20) empirical studies utilizing the responsible drinking concept to determine the manner in which researchers currently conceptualize and explain characteristics of responsible drinking in their reports. Secondly, a qualitative examination of college students’ beliefs, motivations, intentions, and behaviors regarding responsible drinking will be presented. Employing an emergent design, the data collection process encompassed four focus group sessions and three separate, personal interviews. The final sample size comprised thirteen individuals (Focus Group n=10; Personal Interview n=3). A conceptual model will also be proposed to assist in interpreting the qualitative findings and theorizing about factors influencing intentions to drink responsibly. Lastly, drawing upon the theoretical model and qualitative findings, the development and rigorous psychometric testing of a web-based instrument - Characteristics of Responsible Drinking Survey (CHORDS) – will be discussed. Zoomerang™ served as the host-site for both the pilot- and final testing phases of the CHORDS. The final sample (n=729) comprised a random set of individuals drawn from all currently enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) attending Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station. Principal components exploratory factor analysis revealed the CHORDS consists of five scales (61 total items) whose scores exhibit high internal consistency reliability. These scales include: Behavioral Beliefs, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, Barriers and Behavioral Intention. Scales were found to measure the same underlying construct, as outlined in the theoretical model. Prior to this study, scientific literature contained no scholarly attempts to distinguish responsible drinking characteristics; no theoretically-based explanation or examination of the interactions among responsible drinking variables; and no instruments expressly intended to measure responsible drinking intentions. Thus, this study represents the first step toward addressing the limitations associated with responsible drinking and filling the apparent conceptual gaps.