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Case Study

Businesses That Care Zacatecas

In 2015, the AB InBev Foundation launched the Global Smart Drinking Goals to reduce by 10% the harms associated with AU in six cities around the world, including Zacatecas, Mexico.

The University of Miami was contacted by ABIF to reduce the existent high prevalence of underage drinking in Zacatecas (53.2% lifetime alcohol use & 14.5% binge drinking between ages 12 to 17 years) (ENCODAT 2016-2017)

After an initial needs assessment of the context, the University of Miami partnered with a local private businesses to develop Businesses That Care. The principal investigator of the project was Dr. Eric Brown.

The network has committed to support the adaptation and implementation of preventive interventions under a high-fidelity approach.

You can hear the Zacatecas experience here PODCAST

BTC Zacatecas Company Recruitment: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Private companies are not as sensitive to changing political winds or public sector bureaucracy.
  2. Private companies typically have the resources to implement BTC quickly and with good adherence.
  3. Fosters positive collaboration among local businesses and with other community sectors (e.g., government, schools, advocacy groups).
  4. Demonstration of positive social responsibility by BTC companies.
  5. Companies demonstrate care for their employees and their families. Better health, safety, and productivity among workers.
  6. Company setting facilitates data collection and delivery of prevention program to workers and their families.

Cons:

  1. BTC system implementation is complex. Requires time and dedication by companies, their directors, and their workers.
  2. Company time is needed to conduct BTC activities and deliver prevention programs to target populations.
  3. Unknown if corporate culture is compatible with pluralistic culture of group-decision making in BTC.
  4. Logistical, managerial, and cultural adaptations are made “on the fly.”

Business engagement

Obtain Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment Letters from local companies.

BTC Zacatecas Action Plan

the community assessment, prioritization and decitions produced the community action plan. More information about Businesses That Care Zacatecas here

BTC Zacatecas Results:

Implementation of Tomando Buenas Decisiones

General family risk

In Mexico:

Armendáriz García et al. (2014) found that family history of alcohol use predicted alcohol use in university students. Strunin et al. (2013) found that Mexican adolescents aged 14–16 who reported lower perceived parental monitoring were more likely to be frequent drinkers and begin using alcohol at an earlier age.

The implementation of Tomando Buenas Decisiones was efficacious for up to 3 months after intervention in reducing general family risk levels for youth alcohol use. Reducing general family risk levels for youth alcohol use has a major public health application revealing the potential of adapted parent competency training programs to mitigate harmful alcohol use in Mexico.

You can find more on this podcast