Underage drinking is one of the most important public health issues afflicting the United
States. Alcohol is not only the most commonly and readily available substance of abuse
amongst the American youth, but is also the most popular substance used for recreational
and self-medication purposes. Though drinking can harm anybody regardless of his or her
gender, age, ethnicity, social status or drinking pattern, there are significant alcohol-related
health disparities among the youngsters, with those from the rural areas and
underrepresented communities being affected the most.
Considering the
growing menace of
underage drinking, it is
crucial to ensure early
prevention as it is a risk
factor for developing
problematic alcohol
consumption patterns
that can persist in
adulthood. However,
due to the ineffective
prevention strategies
that fail to trickle down
to the rural
communities, ethnic
groups and youths,
such as Native Americans, the instances of alcohol drinking are the highest in these
communities compared to other groups.
Even in the field of clinical research, rural communities and other minority populations are by
and large underrepresented in community-based research. However, there is substantial
evidence that these communities are considered vulnerable to the risks of alcohol abuse.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure effective and early interventions.
Community and school-based interventions
A new study, conducted by a team of researchers led by Kelli A. Komro, Ph.D. (Emory
University in Atlanta), and published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH),
attempted to address the above-mentioned disparities. As part of the study, a multilevel
intervention measure was designed to specifically address the problem of underage drinking
among the youngsters of Cherokee Nation a rural and racially diverse community from the
northeastern region of Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation is the second largest American Indian
tribe in the U.S. after the Navajo Nation.
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The trial was conducted together by the university-based prevention scientists and Cherokee
Nations behavioral health psychologists who enforced two different strategies to tackle the
problem of underage drinking, which specifically affects the youngsters in both rural and
racially diverse communities. In addition, the nature of these strategies is such that they are
compatible and adaptable to the unique local culture. Some of these strategies were as
mentioned below:
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