Citizen participation in prevention activities: A path model

Abstract

Success in the recent shift in focus of alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention programs to comprehensive community models requires widespread citizen participation. Few studies, however, have examined the factors that affect individual participation in the area of AOD prevention. Building upon the citizen participation literature from a variety of non‐AOD substantive areas, this study hypothesizes and examines a path model composed of three constructs that may affect participation: participation accessibility, desire to participate, and knowledge about participation. Data for the study were gathered in a stratified random telephone sample of 1,019 adult citizens of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This instrument was composed of 26 closed‐ended questions about substance use and abuse within the residents' communities, as well as individual participation in seven county‐sponsored prevention programs. Data were analyzed using path coefficients and analysis of variance. The resulting analysis demonstrated support for the model and the hypothesized relationships among the constructs. From these results, recommendations for increasing citizen participation are provided.

Role of Ethnic Identity in Participatory Processes That Facilitate Psychological Empowerment Among Urban Youth

“…For example, Kauffman and Poulin (1994) found that by showcasing the success of substance abuse prevention efforts to research participants, they were more likely to participate in other prevention programs in the community. To that end, Peterson and Reid (2003) suggested that prevention researchers ought to communicate the effectiveness of programs in ways that will encourage community members to participate.…”

Paths to psychological empowerment in an urban community: Sense of community and citizen participation in substance abuse prevention activities

“…A critical component of empowerment theory, which can be targeted by prevention planners, is the participatory process engaged in by individuals as they work to improve the quality of lives in their communities~Gutiérrez, 1995; Kieffer, 1984;Lord, Ochocka, Czarny, & MacGillivary, 1998; Although examples of successful efforts to promote citizen participation in substance abuse prevention initiatives exist~e.g., Daley & Marsiglia, 2000;Kauffman & Poulin, 1994;Poulin & Kauffman, 1995!, additional research is needed to explicitly examine the principles that anchor relationships between citizen participation and empowerment in substance abuse prevention and other related community contexts~Zimmerman, 2000!. To date, no formal theory exists that adequately explains the mechanisms by which individuals, organizations, and communities become empowered~Gutiérrez, Glen-Maye & DeLois, 1995;Price, 1990;Wandersman & Florin, 2000!.…”

Exploring the Predictors of Citizen Participation in Substance Abuse Prevention Activities

“…Kauffman and Poulin [3] examined a stratified random countywide sample of 1,019 adult citizens in the eastern part of the U.S. to ascertain which of the following factors influenced individual participation in substance abuse prevention activities: Participation accessibility, desire to participate, and knowledge about participation. Perceived efficacy ("knowledge") of prevention programs was found to be the strongest predictor of citizen participation, suggesting that programs might develop strategies (media campaigns) to demonstrate the utility of their programmatic activities to the community.…”

“…Perceived efficacy ("knowledge") of prevention programs was found to be the strongest predictor of citizen participation, suggesting that programs might develop strategies (media campaigns) to demonstrate the utility of their programmatic activities to the community. Kauffman and Poulin [3] were also interested in investigating the socio-demographic factors that affected participation in economically and socially disorganized communities. Consistent with previous findings, knowledge had the strongest direct effect on participation, with desire and accessibility adding important indirect effects.…”

“…These efforts helped to define needs, implement strategies, and evaluate engagement effectiveness [2]. By embracing a communitypartnership model, public health interventions can work to foster opportunities for citizens to participate in voluntary community organizations and other natural help seeking systems by involving all sectors of the community [3,4].…”