Program for Reducing Alcohol Consumption Behavior Affecting Health of Drinkers by Mutual Collaborative Approach among Network and District Health Board in Muang Tak District, Tak Province

Abstract

This quantitative research had three objectives: 1) to study the behaviors and self-efficacy of alcohol drinkers at health risk, 2) to develop a behavioral modification program for at-risk alcohol drinkers, and 3) to test the effectiveness of the behavioral modification program. The research methodology was divided into three phases: Phase 1: Study of alcohol drinking behaviors and related factors. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires from 251 at-risk alcohol drinkers, and qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with 3 purposively selected groups of 8 drinking representatives each. Phase 2: Development of a behavioral modification program based on Protection Motivation Theory and social support with participatory involvement from networks and the District Health Board. Focus group discussions were organized following the Appreciation-Influence-Control (A.I.C.) process. Phase 3: Implementation and evaluation of the alcohol drinking behavioral modification program with 15 purposively selected at-risk drinkers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and pre-post program scores were compared using the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed-Ranks Test (p-value = 0.01).

The research findings revealed that factors associated with risky alcohol drinking behaviors were personal factors, including living alone and having low expectations for quitting. The behavioral modification program focused on building understanding of alcohol's harmful effects, enhancing self-efficacy, fostering positive expectations from quitting, developing self-control to avoid drinking, and providing social support. The program effectiveness was tested with a group of drinkers who completed a 7-day, 6-night behavioral modification activity. After the program, the research team conducted monthly home visits for encouragement, completing three visits over three months. Results showed that all participants maintained continuous abstinence, demonstrated self-efficacy in refusing alcohol, held positive expectations from quitting, and exhibited self-control in avoiding drinking. Post-intervention scores were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores (p-value = 0.01).