H van Oers

Help-seeking behaviour of problem drinkers

Although problem drinking is a considerable burden on society, alcohol-related problems are often either not treated at all or are treated only at a very late stage. Insight into the help-seeking behaviour of problem drinkers is therefore of major importance for prevention and treatment activities. Research was undertaken on the prevalence and determinants of help-seeking behaviour of problem drinkers in the generd population of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, using Aday and Andersons model of predisposing, need and enabling factors. Results show that 7.9% of problem drinkers in the community have at some time sought help for alcohol-related problems. Significant differences were found between helpseeking and non-help seeking problem drinkers in terms of level of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems (need factors). Severe alcohol-related health problems and social problems turned out to be the most important triggers for requesting help. After controlling for need for help, married and highly educated ...

Towards local implementation of Dutch health policy guidelines : A concept-mapping approach

Summary To develop a targeted implementation strategy for a municipal health policy guideline, implementation targets of two guideline users [Regional Health Services (RHSs)] and guideline developers of leading national health institutes were made explicit. Therefore, characteristics of successful implementation of the guideline were identified. Differences and similarities in perceptions of these characteristics between RHSs and developers were explored. Separate concept mapping procedures were executed in two RHSs, one with representatives from partner local health organizations and municipalities, the second with RHS members only. A third map was conducted with the developers of the guideline. All mapping procedures followed the same design of generating statements up to interpretation of results with participants. Concept mapping, as a practical implementation tool, will be discussed in the context of international research literature on guideline implementation in public health. Guideline developers consider implementation successful when substantive components (health issues) of the guidelines, content are visible in local policy practice. RHSs, local organizations and municipalities view the implementation process itself within and between organizations as more relevant, and state that usability of the guideline for municipal policy and commitment by officials and municipal managers are critical targets for successful implementation. Between the RHSs, differences in implementation targets were smaller than between RHSs and guideline developers. For successful implementation, RHSs tend to focus on process targets while developers focus more on the thematic contents of the guideline. Implications of these different orientations for implementation strategies are dealt with in the discussion.

Adolescent audience segmentation on alcohol attitudes: a further exploration

Abstract Introduction: In an earlier audience segmentation study, Dutch adolescents aged 12–18 years were segmented into five alcohol attitudes segments: ordinaries, high spirits, consciously sobers, ordinary sobers and socials. The current study explores several aspects of alcohol consumption and leisure activities for these five segments. Methods: Data were used from two studies, i.e. the aforementioned audience segmentation study and a large survey, the Brabant Youth Health Monitor (BYHM). Chi-square analysis was used to investigate overall statistically significant differences between segments per research question. Results: Results showed that high spirits bought alcohol themselves significantly more often than the other segments. Ordinary sobers got alcohol significantly more often from parents than high spirits, and socials more often than ordinaries and high spirits. The ordinaries and high spirits preferred to drink alcohol outside their own home, whereas the other three segments also drank at home with others. Finally, all segments preferred to drink alcohol with friends. Conclusions: The results of this study showed similarities and differences in the aspects of alcohol consumption and leisure activities between the five segments. This deeper insight offers starting points for developing tailored interventions for the different segments.