“We Do What We Think Is the Best”—A Content Analysis of Experiences of Alcohol Problem Prevention in Sweden. A Short Report

Abstract

This short report describes an ongoing project whose aim was to explore how respondents from local institutions in a Swedish municipality describe their efforts in preventing alcohol consumption and related problems. Data were collected in focus group interviews, conducted during 2003 with key informants, comprising middle-ranking civil servants from different administrative sectors such as school, social welfare, and the public health office, in four Swedish municipalities: one city district, one town, and two small municipalities. We identified low knowledge of evidence-based methods for prevention of alcohol consumption–related problems and a lack of consistent focus on strategies known to be effective. The main target group for preventive efforts was identified as young people and the most common setting mentioned was the schools. Further, the key informants appeared to regard a wide range of activities as being community alcohol and drug use prevention. Generally these activities also lacked specification. Increased knowledge of alcohol and drug use prevention methods that are effective at the local level is needed within Swedish municipalities, as is greater understanding of how to implement those methods.