A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Structured Awareness Program on Knowledge Regarding the Ill Effects of Alcoholism Among Alcoholics in Selected Community Areas, Davangere

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependency poses a severe public health challenge globally and disproportionately affects low-income communities. In India, an estimated one in four adult men experiences alcohol-related harm, with consequences spanning physical, psychological, and socioeconomic domains. Structured community-based educational interventions represent a cost-effective strategy for improving health literacy in this population.

Objectives: (i) To measure baseline pre- test comprehension of alcoholics regarding the adverse effects of alcohol use, (ii) to evaluate the efficacy of the SAP in enhancing comprehension level on the adverse effects of alcohol use. (iii) to determine associations between baseline comprehension level and chosen demographic factors.

Methods: An evaluative single-cohort pre-test/post-test research design was employed. Sixty alcoholics attending Urban Primary Health Centres in Davangere were recruited through convenience sampling. Collection of data done through carefully designed, validated questions. After completing the test, participants were provided with SAP.

Results: The average before test comprehension index was 12.65 with a standard deviation (SD) = 4.246. After-SAP, the average improved to 23.03 (SD = 3.884), representing an improvement of 10.38 points (t = 18.642, p<0.05). Chi-square analysis identified significant associations with marital status, educational level, and hospitalisation history.

Conclusion: The Structured Awareness Program (SAP) significantly improved knowledge among community alcoholics, establishing it as an effective educational intervention for community health practice.