Interest in different forms of self-help in a general population sample ofdrinkers

The study investigates: (1) the level of interest in self-help services for drinkers, and (2) the predictors of interest in these services. A represen tative sample of 1,557 Ontario respondents participated in a telephone surv ey. Current drinkers (n = 1,247) were asked about their interest in getting : (a) a telephone call from a therapist to help them evaluate their drinkin g, (b) a self-help book, and (c) a computerized summary comparing their dri nking to that of other Canadians. Bivariate comparisons of demographic and drinking-related variables were made between those interested and not inter ested in each of the offered services. Logistic regression analysis was use d to find the best predictors of interest. The results revealed that 16% we re interested in a telephone call, 26% in a self-help book, and 39% in comp uterized normative feedback. Negative consequences of drinking and indicato rs of lower societal resources increased interest in self-help services. Co mputerized feedback and self-help books serve as cheap and nonintrusive way s to provide incentive for change to early-stage problem drinkers due to th e interest they raise in the intended target population. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.