Audit wuestionnaire as part of community action against heavy drinking

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to find out how well the alcohol questionnaire, AUDIT, as part of a wide community action was noticed, and if it had any effects especially among heavy drinkers. Methods: As part of local community action campaign ('Booze Weeks'), the AUDIT pamphlet was delivered to all households (90,000) in Tampere, Finland, and 500 randomly selected inhabitants were interviewed on telephone. Results: More than three quarters of those consuming alcohol had noticed the 'Booze Weeks' campaign and considered it necessary. Inhabitants who drank most frequently were also the most likely to have noticed the campaign and the AUDIT pamphlet. Conclusions: As part of a wide community action, home-delivered self-help material is often noticed especially by heavy drinkers. They might come to realize their own heavy drinking and seek professional treatment. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved.