Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .
Reducing Alcohol Use in College Students: A Controlled Trial of Two Brief Interventions
This study tested two forms of alcohol reduction programming for college students . Thirty-seven moderate to heavy drinkers completed measures of quantity/frequency , drinking consequences , and attitude question naires . Participants were r and omly assigned to one of three groups : 1 ) a two-hour information and motivation session plus mailed personal feedback on their drinking ; 2 ) mailed feedback only ; or 3 ) no treatment . At a 6-week follow-up session , the feedback-only group decreased drinks per month as compared to control . No other differences were statistically significant , though decreases favored the treatment conditions about equally over control . Implication s for research and treatment are discussed
Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .