Alcohol education as primary prevention in health care

The purpose of this survey research was to identify practicing nurses' knowledge about the biophysiological and psychosocial components of alcohol and its pharmacological effects. Additionally, data were gathered with the intent of assisting nurses in the early identification of and intervention with individuals at risk for the disease of alcoholism. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 298 practicing nurses employed by community hospitals that had been identified as having no specific treatment program for chemical dependency. The investigation obtained self-reported information by means of a questionnaire. The instrument elicited both demographics and the answers to 25 fixed alternative questions designed to obtain information in nine topic areas. Findings indicated that 66% of the nurses incorrectly answered questions aimed at correlating population statistics to the disease of alcoholism and its physiological effects. Questions about knowledge of the pharmacological properties of alcohol were answered incorrectly by 93% of the participants. One-way analysis of variance was computed to compare the total score for each of the variables listed. Conclusions document a critical need for increased alcohol education in basic nursing programs. Content related to the pharmacological properties, the disease concept and the biophysiological and psychosocial effects of alcohol should be included in curriculum design.