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Intervening variables are factors that have been identified as being strongly related to, and influential in, the occurrence and magnitude of substance use problems and consequences. Risk and protective factors are types of intervening variables. Risk factors are individual characteristics and environmental influences associated with an increased vulnerability to the initiation, continuation, or escalation of substance use.
Protective factors include individual resilience and other circumstances that are associated with a reduction in the likelihood of substance use (Hawkins & Catalano, 1992).
For each intervening variable listed below, there are a set of local conditions. Local conditions describe why something is or is not a problem--this is how the intervening variable manifests itself at the local level. For example, social access/availability is an intervening variable while a related local condition might be alcohol availability at community celebrations. Local conditions can be monitored and measured using specific indicators. For the example provided, one specific indicator might be lack of wrist bands for persons under age 21 at community events where alcohol is sold.
Other Data Sources
Find out about other data resources covering substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and other relevant topics.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) dashboard
The Minnesota Department of Health has developed a new tool for understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the state. Follow the link to fInd an interactive dashboard, as well as documentation on ACEs basics and prevention strategies.
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Drug Overdose dashboard
Minnesota Department of Health has developed a robust drug overdose dashboard, with trend data on deaths and non-fatal overdoses involving opioids and other drugs. Explore prescribing trends, rates by demographic group, and substance use disorder treatment data.
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Presenting Data
In order to share your evaluation results successfully, you need to understand your audience and how to communicate effectively with them. This course will lead you through key decisions you will need to make to ensure that your evaluation is used as effectively as possible.
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Best Practices Resources and Databases
Once you're armed with your data, you'll have to put it into action. Below is a list of resources to help you choose the best next steps to put data into action.
- Child Trends' LINKS database of programs evaluated for "outcomes related to education, life skills, and social/emotional, mental, physical, behavioral, or reproductive health." See more at: http://www.childtrends.org/what-works/#sthash.xMDbAy0f.dpuf
- SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/
- CDC's The Community Guide http://www.thecommunityguide.org/
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Model Programs Guide http://www.ojjdp.gov/mpg/
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundations and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute's What Works for Health http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/roadmaps/what-works-for-health
- University of Colorado Boulder's Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/blueprints
- University of Minnesota Alcohol Epidemiology Program tools and publications http://www.aep.umn.edu/#
Analyzing Substance Use Indicators: A Guide for Data Interpretation
This educational manual explores practical techniques and factors to examine substance use metrics. Acquire the skills to analyze charts, select evaluation techniques, and extract conclusions.