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Improving the implementation of responsible alcohol management practices by community sporting clubs: A randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
Kingsland Melanie,
Wolfenden Luke,
Tindall Jennifer,
Rowland Bosco,
Sidey Maree,
McElduff Patrick,
Wiggers John H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1111/dar.12252
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , best practice , club , audit , randomized controlled trial , medicine , business , nursing , management , accounting , surgery , economics , anatomy
and Aims Despite an increased prevalence of risky alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related harm among members of sporting groups and at sporting venues, sporting clubs frequently fail to implement alcohol management practices consistent with liquor legislation and best practice guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a multi‐strategy intervention in improving the implementation of responsible alcohol management practices by sports clubs. Design and Methods A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 87 football clubs, with half randomised to receive a multi‐strategy intervention to support clubs to implement responsible alcohol management practices. The 2‐year intervention, which was based on implementation and capacity building theory and frameworks, included project officer support, funding, accreditation rewards, printed resources, observational audit feedback, newsletters, training and support from state sporting organisations. Interviews were undertaken with club presidents at baseline and post‐intervention to assess alcohol management practice implementation. Results Post‐intervention, 88% of intervention clubs reported implementing ‘13 or more’ of 16 responsible alcohol management practices, which was significantly greater than the proportion of control groups reporting this level of implementation (65%) [odds ratio: 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–13.2); P = 0.04]. All intervention components were considered highly useful and three‐quarters or more of clubs rated the amount of implementation support to be sufficient. Discussion and Conclusions The multi‐strategy intervention was successful in improving alcohol management practices in community sports clubs. Further research is required to better understand implementation barriers and to assess the long‐term sustainability of the change in club alcohol management practices. [Kingsland M, Wolfenden L, Tindall J, Rowland B, Sidey M, McElduff P, Wiggers JH. Improving the implementation of responsible alcohol management practices by community sporting clubs: A randomised controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:447–57]