Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey

Aims: This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, as part of a community project aimed at reducing harms associated with excessive drinking. Methods: Baseline data were collected from a stratified...

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Main Authors: Velander, Fredrik, Schineanu, Andreia, Midford, Richard
Format: Journal Article
Published: Prous Science 2010
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/5653
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author Velander, Fredrik
Schineanu, Andreia
Midford, Richard
author_facet Velander, Fredrik
Schineanu, Andreia
Midford, Richard
author_sort Velander, Fredrik
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Aims: This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, as part of a community project aimed at reducing harms associated with excessive drinking. Methods: Baseline data were collected from a stratified, community sample, using a purpose designed instrument. The community's readiness was determined by interviewing key stakeholders and community leaders, using the ‘Readiness for Change’ interview instrument. Findings: There were substantial levels of binge drinking accompanied by low awareness of alcohol as a local problem and lack of knowledge about interventions that are currently operating in the community. Support for measures designed to reduce problems associated with excessive use of alcohol was polarized. Community readiness to tackle alcohol related issues was low indicating a need for awareness raising. Conclusions: These findings are critical to informing the development of interventions to ensure they are tailored to this community's needs and abilities. Since knowledge and awareness of alcohol related issues are low in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the first step in changing community attitudes is to create greater awareness of these issues and their consequences, and provide information on potential interventions to address the current problems.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-56532017-09-13T15:54:29Z Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey Velander, Fredrik Schineanu, Andreia Midford, Richard Aims: This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, as part of a community project aimed at reducing harms associated with excessive drinking. Methods: Baseline data were collected from a stratified, community sample, using a purpose designed instrument. The community's readiness was determined by interviewing key stakeholders and community leaders, using the ‘Readiness for Change’ interview instrument. Findings: There were substantial levels of binge drinking accompanied by low awareness of alcohol as a local problem and lack of knowledge about interventions that are currently operating in the community. Support for measures designed to reduce problems associated with excessive use of alcohol was polarized. Community readiness to tackle alcohol related issues was low indicating a need for awareness raising. Conclusions: These findings are critical to informing the development of interventions to ensure they are tailored to this community's needs and abilities. Since knowledge and awareness of alcohol related issues are low in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the first step in changing community attitudes is to create greater awareness of these issues and their consequences, and provide information on potential interventions to address the current problems. 2010 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/5653 10.3109/09687630903042435 Prous Science restricted
spellingShingle Velander, Fredrik
Schineanu, Andreia
Midford, Richard
Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title_full Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title_fullStr Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title_full_unstemmed Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title_short Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey
title_sort attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural australian city: a baseline survey
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/5653