A mixed methods analysis evaluating an alcohol health champion community intervention: How do newly trained champions perceive and understand their training and role?

• DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13717
• Publication Date: 2022-01-18T07:18:16Z
• Authors: Suzy C. Hargreaves; Cathy Ure; Elizabeth J. Burns; Margaret Coffey; Suzanne Audrey; Kate Ardern; Penny A. Cook
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Champion; Brief intervention

Globally, alcohol harm is recognised as one of the greatest population risks and reducing a key priority for UK Government. The Communities in Charge Alcohol (CICA) programme took an asset-based approach training community members across nine areas to become health champions (AHCs); trained how have informal conversations about get involved with licensing. This paper reports on experiences AHCs taking part through analysis of: questionnaires completed pre- post-training (n = 93) semi-structured interviews purposive sample five who had started their role. Questionnaires explored: characteristics AHCs, perceived importance action around health, confidence undertaking Following felt more confident talk harms, give brief advice licensing decisions. Interviews AHCs' training, barriers facilitators adoption role, they made sense Four overarching themes were identified thematic framework approach: (a) perceptions AHC training; (b) applying knowledge skills role; (c) (d) sustaining Findings highlight challenges establishing roles can be overcome by combining motivation volunteers environmental assets setting: most important personal asset being people sensitive topic, such alcohol.