Predicting Head Start parent involvement in an alcohol and other drug prevention program

This study examined Health Belief Model predictors of parent involvement with preschool children in an alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention program. Over 300 Head Start parents were invited to participate in BABES (Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies) with their children once a week for 7 weeks. Two hundred parents completed self-report instruments prior to participation in BABES. Previous classroom involvement, barriers, county, and race predicted high attendance (3 to 7 lessons). AOD use severity, benefits, and role modeling predicted low attendance (1 to 2 lessons). Further research involving manipulation of external cues, parent involvement in nonclassroom settings, and race-homogeneous samples is recommended.