Effectiveness of Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test-Linked Brief Intervention on Harmful and Hazardous Alcohol Use in Nigerian Semirural Communities: A Non-Randomized Intervention Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and the effectiveness of the alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST)-linked brief intervention on hazardous and harmful alcohol use in semirural settings in Nigeria.MethodsIn this single arm non-randomized intervention study delivered by community health extension workers (CHEW), participants (N = 1,203), 15 years and older, recruited between October 2010 and April 2011 were assessed for prevalence of alcohol consumption and the associated level of risk. Scores of 0–10 were classified as lower risk scores, 11–26 as moderate risk, and 27+ as high risk. This was followed by a brief intervention. Prevalence of alcohol consumption and level of risk was assessed at 3 and 6 months postbrief intervention. Main outcome measure was the change in ASSIST scores at 3 and 6 months postintervention.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of alcohol use at baseline compared with that at 6 months, χ2(2) = 4.2, p = 0.01. Among all respondents, a repeated measures ANOVA with a Greenhouse–Geisser correction showed that mean ASSIST score significantly reduced between time points [F(1.541, 34.092) = 53.241, p < 0.001]. Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that this difference was due to a significant reduction in the mean ASSIST scores at 3 months vs. baseline, p = 0.001, but not at 3 vs. 6 months, p = 0.09.ConclusionThere is a potential for CHEW-administered ASSIST-linked screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for unhealthy alcohol use in Nigerian semirural communities. This is feasible considering serious dearth of addiction specialists in the country.

Psychoactive substance use in a sample of community outreach participants; prevalence, correlates and ease of incorporating care

“…While a previous study in Nigeria has highlighted the efficacy of community health extension worker delivered screening and ASSIST-linked intervention on problem alcohol use, it stands to be seen if such could be replicated for other substances apart from alcohol given that alcohol is a socially accepted drug of use and a more accommodating attitude is displayed towards its use. 33 This may be the subject of further research. Finally, this study did not include follow up to assess the impact of ASSIST-linked brief intervention on the beneficiaries; nor feedback from the referrals.…”

Metabolic syndrome distributions in dietary diversity score groups and its associated factors among adults in the urban community of Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based cross- sectional study

“…Likewise, khat chewing and tobacco using behavior were defined as self-reported currently chewing of khat and practicing of smoked tobacco or smokeless tobacco products, respectively. Current alcohol users are defined as people who drink alcohol more than one day per week [ 25 ].…”

Community-based models of care for adolescent and adult depression, suicidal behavior, anxiety, trauma, and substance use in Africa: a scoping review

“…After preliminary evaluation of included publications, we developed a categorization for interventions, as follows: psychotherapeutic, social, lifestyle/physical health, economic, and psychopharmacological interventions. About 10% of psychotherapeutic interventions utilized a singlesession intervention approach (14/144) (Stein et al, 1997;Igreja et al, 2004;Connolly and Sakai, 2011;Cubbins et al, 2012;Eller et al, 2013;Pengpid et al, 2013;Morojele et al, 2014;Lasebikan et al, 2017;De Fouchier and Kedia, 2018;Harder et al, 2020;Osborn et al, 2020;Akena et al, 2021;Wasil et al, 2021;Venturo-Conerly et al, 2022). A total of 10 studies quantitively assessed the effect of a single session intervention on MH or SU, of which eight studies indicated a statistically significant MH or SU reduction.…”

“…A total of 10 studies quantitively assessed the effect of a single session intervention on MH or SU, of which eight studies indicated a statistically significant MH or SU reduction. Notably, a self-help component, including distribution of manuals or leaflets about psychoeducation, self-care strategies, problem-solving steps, or a drinking diary, was present in 75% of the single-session interventions that showed such a reduction (6/8) (Connolly and Sakai, 2011;Eller et al, 2013;Pengpid et al, 2013;Lasebikan et al, 2017;De Fouchier and Kedia, 2018;Osborn et al, 2020).…”