Effectiveness of Behavior Modification Program to Reduce Alcohol Consumption among Female Agricultural Workers in Lansak District Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

Thai women of working age, especially in the agricultural sector have a tendency to drink alcohol at higher risk levels. Excessive alcohol consumption impacts personal illnesses and social problems. This research was action research design. The purposes of the research were to explain the drinking behavior of female laborers who regularly consumed and to study the effectiveness of a behavior modification program to reduce alcohol consumption among female laborers in the agricultural sector. The samples were collected by simple random sampling from the area of Lansak District Uthai Thani province, a total of 36 cases. The research tool was a behavior modification to reduce alcohol consumption program which was developed from the SME Uthai Thani model. The duration of the program is 6 months. The results showed that most female laborers working in the agricultural sector drank alcohol after work to relieve their tiredness, tension, and stress. Almost 66.67% of the sample group had a drinking behavior at harmful levels. The behavior modification program to reduce alcohol consumption among working-age women in the agriculture sector could help women agricultural workers who had excessive alcohol habits to reduce their drinking behavior. Moreover, some can stop drinking during the intervention. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT Score), the pre-trial of the program was 16.28 and the post-trial of the program was 12.08, which was statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01). The significant processes of this program were to enhance self–efficacy, promote a healthy collaborative network in the community, and support from relevant agencies conscientiously and continuously. This program can prevent risky behavior and reduce negative outcomes caused by excessive alcohol consumption in working-age women in the agriculture sector.