Group-based Intervention for Club Patrons

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a group-based strategy for preventing high risk outcomes for patrons of nightclubs. Outcomes include overuse of alcohol, use of illicit drugs, drinking/drug use and driving (or riding with impaired driver), experiences of physical aggression, and experiences of sexual harassment/aggression. By working with the social group, the investigators use a peer-base approach for reducing high risk problems that can occur in nightclub settings.

This study focuses on high risk behaviors (excessive alcohol use, drug use, physical and/or sexual aggression, and unsafe exit behaviors-e.g., drinking and driving, riding with a drinking driver) of young adults who patronize clubs. These risk behaviors are prevalent in clubs and drinking establishments. The goals are twofold: 1) to develop a screener that accurately assesses a group's level of risk for one specific night of club attendance and based upon this assessment, (2) to provide naturally occurring social groups with the necessary skills to identify vulnerability to these high risk behaviors and to provide them with tools to protect their members against those risks by being prepared to implement the 3 O's: a) Outreach-approach fellow group members who are at risk, (b) Options-to suggest alternatives that would increase safety and (c) Out-to increase awareness of when it is time to leave. This brief, interactive intervention was delivered by small tablet computers that utilize mobile application technology and cellular wireless service. This will facilitate later adoption in the real world, by offering low cost delivery and engagement of the young adult population. Specific Aim I: To test and reduce the number of screening questions necessary to develop a risk algorithm (to predict our high risk behaviors) for social groups and to test the feasibility of immediate onsite compilation of individual results into a group risk algorithm. To test a brief screener of individual and group indicators obtained at entrance that predict high risk behaviors (excessive alcohol use, drug use, physical and/or sexual aggression, and/or unsafe behaviors after exiting the club). To test the onsite data collection and compilation of group-based risk indicators. To develop a risk algorithm for groups that can be used in Specific Aim II. The risk algorithm will provide an indication of how likely it is that a specific group will experience each of the high risk behaviors. Specific Aim II: To design and test the feasibility of a brief, group-based intervention designed for presentation prior to entering the club and that addresses high risk behaviors while at the clubs. To design a group-based, brief intervention for delivery prior to entry, to reduce high risk behaviors in the club. To determine whether the brief intervention increases awareness of early indicators of risk and increases the use of strategies employed by the social groups in the club. To test the intervention's efficacy to reduce high risk behaviors in the club. To determine the level of satisfaction with the intervention (for intervention condition only).

Drink Driving, Drink Too Much, Drinking, Binge, Drunk, Drug Use, Aggression, Aggression Sexual, Peer Group

Groups assigned to experimental and control conditions were given a tablet on which either the experimental or control program was provided. Both groups were told that they would be viewing a program on safety while at the club. Both groups had to respond to some questions on the tablet about the program. Both groups were asked to interact as a group to answer these questions. Without a view of the tablet, it appeared as if both experimental and controls had the same condition.

Observed indicators that a group member may be in trouble due identified risks were provided and if detected, they were given practical skills on implementing the 3 0's: Outreach, Options, and Out. Outreach consisted of techniques for approaching your friend and acquiring more information whether there was a problem. Options were to be employed if problems were confirmed and were designed to provide easy, simple steps to reduce risks and decrease probability of escalation of problems. Out refers to the plans the group made before entering the club that they would leave as a group to keep the group members safe. Group commitment to implement these safety steps was emphasized. Interactive and visually attractive scenes were drawn as graphic images to avoid didactic delivery.

Groups in the control condition were also given information on safety and the focus of this safety message was regarding fires in nightclubs. Groups were given didactic materials to read with some still images. There were a few questions for the group to address.

A group approach to reducing unwanted outcomes was implemented prior to entering the nightclub. The focus was on peer-to-peer intervention.

Groups were asked to read information about fire safety prior to entering the club and to answer some questions about fire safety

Inclusion Criteria: Must be within age range, entering the club that night, group size must be 2 or more Exclusion Criteria: working or performing at the club that night