The effect of the PALMSS alcohol prevention program among high school students in a rural area of Thailand

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to test the effects of alcohol prevention program, PALMSS (P = peer, A = alcohol knowledge, L = low-risk drinking, M = media-influence, S = social drinking and S = self-efficacy), on knowledge about alcohol among grade 11 students in Phayao province, where prevalence of alcohol consumption was high. Methods: A quasi-experiment was implemented in two high schools. One hundred fifty low-risk drinkers voluntarily participated in the program (Intervention, n = 75; Control, n = 75). Knowledge about alcohol was assessed four times: at baseline, exit point (4 weeks after baseline), 1 month, 3 month, and 6 months post-intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: After adjusting for GPA and peer drinking, there was a positive effect of the PALMSS alcohol prevention program on the increase of alcohol knowledge after implementing the program until at 6-month follow-up (F(1,146) = 199.11, p value = < 0.001). Conclusions: The PALMSS alcohol prevention program was more effective than the regular program provided by schools. Findings suggest that the PALMSS is suitable for teenagers and should be implemented in high schools in order to prevent excessive alcohol consumption in high school children.

Keywords:

• Alcohol prevention program
• high school students
• alcohol
• students
• low-risk drinkers

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article. We would like to thank the 90th Anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund) and the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS), Thailand for providing financial support for the study.