Risk Factors to Alcohol Law Violations in the Community: Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Problem statement: Alcohol-related health problems such as chronic and acute diseases, accidents/injuries and social problems are well recognized. Although many countries including Thailand enact laws to control alcohol problems, missing data in Thailand cannot reveal efficacy of law enforcement and compliance with the public. The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of Thai people violating alcohol laws and factors affecting such law violations, then to develop a prevention model based on this information. Approach: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two areas of Khon Kaen province, North Eastern Thailand. The sample comprised people aged ≥10 years that were dichotomized into an experimental group and control group. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify any significant differences following introduction of the prevention model. Factors affecting law violation were analyzed by odds ratio and logistic regression model. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. Results: The proportion of people violating alcohol laws was 93.8%. This was categorized into 5 violation aspects: 88.4% in respect to time, 84.5% regarding advertising, 78.6% regarding customer age, 71.7% regarding place and 65.5% regarding alcohol sales campaigns. Factors that had a statistically significant effect on alcohol law violations were physical, bio-sociological, social and psychological in nature. After the interventions were implemented, public knowledge and attitudes were improved. Especially, the proportion of alcohol law violations was reduced from 93.8-72.1%. Alcohol sales in temples, schools and gas stations were significantly reduced, as was alcohol advertising (all p<0.0001). Conclusion/Recommendations: A prevention model was developed that could potentially decrease alcohol law violations throughout Thailand.