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The Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Construction Workers: A Field Test of a Social-Cognitive Program

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Abstract

A substance abuse prevention program based on social-cognitive principles and cast in a health promotion framework was tested on 374 construction workers from 5 sites. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the “Power Tools” program with substance abuse material or without the material. Both self-report and bioassay data were collected before and approximately one year after the program. Data were analyzed mainly by analysis of covariance, analysis of variance, and chi-square analysis. Program effects were not demonstrated on consumption of substances, but were found on stages-of-change measures of smoking and drinking and on the frequency with which parents talk with their children about alcohol and drugs. The results suggest that a program of this type might help construction workers move toward reductions in licit substance use, but not in illicit drug use.

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Cook, R.F., Hersch, R.K., Back, A.S. et al. The Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Construction Workers: A Field Test of a Social-Cognitive Program. The Journal of Primary Prevention 25, 337–357 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOPP.0000048025.11036.32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOPP.0000048025.11036.32

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