Evaluating the effectiveness of NORTH STAR: A community-based framework to reduce adult substance misuse, intimate partner violence, child abuse, suicidality, and cumulative risk

Slep, A. M. S., Heyman, R. E., Lorber, M. F., Baucom, K. J. W., & Linkh, D. J. (2020). Evaluating the effectiveness of NORTH STAR: A community-based framework to reduce adult substance misuses, intimate partner violence, child abuse, suicidality, and cumulative risk. Prevention Science, 21, 946-959. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01156-w

The New Orientation for Reducing Threats to Health from Secretive problems that Affect Readiness (NORTH STAR) framework addresses secretive problems (i.e., issues that impact families but may not be obvious to outside observers) within military communities. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether NORTH STAR lowered secretive problems, including suicidality, intimate partner violence, child abuse, hazardous drinking, substance use, and cumulative risk considering physical health and work satisfaction. Further, this study examined whether contextual factors (e.g., community support) altered the implementation and effectiveness of NORTH STAR programs. Data were collected in 2006 and 2008 from 24 Air Force bases (n = 12 NORTH STAR communities, n = 12 control group communities not receiving the program). When the context was conducive to intervention implementation and support, the results suggest that the NORTH STAR program may help communities reduce suicidality, emotional intimate partner violence, and physical child abuse.

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