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Evaluating the Effectiveness of NORTH STAR: a Community-Based Framework to Reduce Adult Substance Misuse, Intimate Partner Violence, Child Abuse, Suicidality, and Cumulative Risk

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Abstract

We evaluated the effectiveness of NORTH STAR, a community assessment, planning, and action framework to reduce the prevalence of several secretive adult problems (hazardous drinking, controlled prescription drug misuse, suicidality, and clinically significant intimate partner violence and child abuse [both emotional and physical]) as well as cumulative risk. One-third of US Air Force (AF) bases worldwide were randomly assigned to NORTH STAR (n = 12) or an assessment-and-feedback-only condition (n = 12). Two AF-wide, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based surveys were conducted of randomly selected samples assessing risk/protective factors and outcomes. Process data regarding attitudes, context, and implementation factors were also collected from Community Action Team members. Analyzed at the level of individuals, NORTH STAR significantly reduced intimate partner emotional abuse, child physical abuse, and suicidality, at sites with supportive conditions for community prevention (i.e., moderation effects). Given its relatively low cost, use of empirically supported light-touch interventions, and emphasis on sustainability with existing resources, NORTH STAR may be a useful framework for the prevention of a range of adult behavioral health problems that are difficult to impact.

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Funding

This work was supported by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (W81XWH0610165) and by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (K23DK115820). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Defense, US Air Force, or the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Amy M. Smith Slep, Richard E. Heyman, Michael F. Lorber & Katherine J. W. Baucom

  2. Ellsworth Air Force Base, AFB, SD, Ellsworth, IO, USA

    David J. Linkh

Authors
  1. Amy M. Smith Slep
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  2. Richard E. Heyman
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  3. Michael F. Lorber
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  4. Katherine J. W. Baucom
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Correspondence to Amy M. Smith Slep.

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Slep, A.M.S., Heyman, R.E., Lorber, M.F. et al. Evaluating the Effectiveness of NORTH STAR: a Community-Based Framework to Reduce Adult Substance Misuse, Intimate Partner Violence, Child Abuse, Suicidality, and Cumulative Risk. Prev Sci 21, 949–959 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01156-w

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