Formative evaluation of a multisite alcohol consumption intervention in pregnant women

The purpose of this preliminary study was to conduct an analysis of the time spent in intervention activities designed to decrease alcohol consumption in high-risk pregnant women across three States. Based on the program's logic model an intervention dosage form was developed specifically for the process evaluation. The form enabled the researchers to generate six client measures of intervention dosage. Descriptive statistics of time spent in various intervention domains were generated for the three states. Also, logistic regression and Tobit estimations were used to see if at risk clients received more intervention dosage than their no risk counterparts. The data were collected on 109 pregnant women who had been involved with the intervention for 6 months or less. The results revealed dramatic differences in the amount of dosage given to clients across the three states in categories such as average time spent with each client and the distribution of time across the logic model domains. The detailed information generated through the analysis allowed the consortium members to identify how much and what type of intervention was being given to clients in the multisite FAS intervention. A number of important questions were generated that will be used to promote dialogue and discussion among the consortium members. Through this interaction it is hoped that the consortium members will be able to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the program's intervention.