Feature Search

Social Norms interim survey underway at Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
What many may not know is "that alcohol survey" is a controlled study that aims to provide U.S. Air Force leaders with information to deliver effective alcohol dependency prevention program planning for Airmen around the world.

As one of eight Air Force bases chosen to participate in the study, Team Andersen is currently conducting the interim stage of the Social Norms Project.

All permanent party, active-duty Airmen ages 17 to 24 were notified through email and are required by the 36th Wing commander to schedule and participate in an educational session on personal drinking habits and perceptions of drinking among peers.

The grant-funded Social Norms Project began Oct. 1, 2011, and is a combined initiative by the Air Force and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y. The project aims to alter Airmen's perception about drinking to deter alcohol abuse and dependency.

This proposal was designed as a two-year project involving initial, interim and final survey time points.

Team Andersen completed the initial survey in October 2012, where base-line data was collected about Airmen culture with regards to alcohol at Andersen.

According to the official website of Hobart and William Smith Colleges' Alcohol Education Project, the Social Norms Project will use findings to help Airmen clear misconceptions about their peers' alcohol consumption habits through the creation of visual communication aids, like posters and graphics.

The interim survey questions were similar to those from the initial survey, with the addition of a section for feedback regarding whether or not Airmen have seen informational posters throughout the base. This stage was conducted to track short-term impact of the study.

The final survey will be used to assess the overall impact of the data collection and intervention at participating bases. The dates for the final survey are yet to be determined.

The website also states, at the end of the project, the Air Force will be able assess the effectiveness of changing Airmen perception in order to prevent alcohol misuse and further enhance resiliency and improve mission readiness.

To learn more about the program consult Andersen's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager at 366-5125 or visit http://www.alcoholeducationproject.org.