A 6-Month Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Application, UControlDrink, in Aiding Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Conor Farren ◽  
Aoife Farrell ◽  
Aisling Hagerty ◽  
Cliodhna McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group

<b><i>Background and Aims:</i></b> Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 111 participants with AUD were recruited into this randomized controlled trial, following completion of a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (<i>n</i> = 54) used the smartphone app “UControlDrink” (UCD) over 6 months with treatment as usual (TAU), and the control group (<i>n</i> = 57) received TAU. All subjects suffered from AUD as the primary disorder, with other major psychiatric disorders excluded. All intervention subjects used the UCD smartphone app in the treatment trial, and all subjects underwent TAU consisting of outpatient weekly support groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Additional measurements were made to assess mood, anxiety, craving, and motivation. Results were analysed using intention-to-treat analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Retention in the study was 72% at 3 months and 52% at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in heavy drinking days in the intervention group relative to TAU over the 6 months, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.02. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The UCD smartphone app demonstrates a significant benefit to reducing heavy drinking days over a 6-month post-rehabilitation period in AUD.

Physical exercise in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients affects their drinking habits: A randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 462-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Jensen ◽  
Charlotte Nielsen ◽  
Claus Thorn Ekstrøm ◽  
Kirsten K. Roessler
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Training Stimulus ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Drinking Habits ◽  
Training Frequency ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of exercise training on physical capacity and alcohol consumption in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients. Methods: One hundred and five AUD patients were randomly assigned to treatment as usual combined with running and brisk walking for 30–45 min twice a week, either in small supervised groups (GR) or individually (IND), or to a control group with no running (C). Assessments were made after 6 and 12 months of training. Results: Training volume was estimated as 36 min per training bout at an intensity of 78% of HRmax with no differences between GR and IND ( p>.05). A highly significant reduction in training frequency was seen in both training groups after the first month ( p<.0001). Only IND increased VO2max, by 5.7% ( p<.05), while no differences were seen between GR, IND and C. Alcohol intake decreased from 219 to 41 units per 30 days as the average for the entire sample with no significant difference of drinking outcomes between groups ( p<.0001). Conclusions: We saw an effect on drinking habits after running in both groups. However, no additional effect was seen when compared with the control group. A drop in the training frequency during the intervention might have resulted in an insignificant training stimulus.

scholarly journals Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes-Glycemic Index (HEALD-GI): A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1289-1289
Author(s):  
Hayford Avedzi ◽  
Allison Soprovich ◽  
Stephanie Ramage ◽  
Abdulrhman Alghamdi ◽  
Kate Storey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Phone Calls

Abstract Objectives Rigorous evidence is needed to support uptake of recommendations to include low glycemic index (GI) foods in daily meal planning as an effective dietary self-care strategy for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week web-based GI-targeted nutrition education intervention on dietary intakes and GI-related knowledge among adults with T2D. Methods Participants were randomized to a control group (n = 34) that received standard printed copies of Canada's Food Guide and Diabetes Canada's GI resources or an intervention group (n = 33) that received those same materials, plus an online platform with six self-directed learning modules and supplementary print material. Each module consisted of a customized video, links to reliable websites, chat rooms, and quizzes. Evidence-based GI concept information included GI values of foods and advice for low-GI shopping, recipes, and cooking tips by a Registered Dietitian. Preferred supports through email, text messaging, phone calls, or postal mail to reinforce participants’ learning were also provided. The primary outcome, average daily dietary GI intake, was assessed using 3-day food records. Additional measures including GI knowledge and self-efficacy, glycated hemoglobin A1c, lipids, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and computer proficiency, were assessed at baseline and at three months post-intervention. Results Participants (N = 67) were 64% men; mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 69.5 (9.3) years, with mean diabetes duration of 19.0 (13.7) years, BMI 30.1 (5.7) kg/m2 and A1c 7.1 (1.2)% at baseline. Mean daily GI intake decreased in the intervention group by 2.79 (7.77) compared to a 0.76 (6.48) increase in the control group (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]; −3.77 [−6.95, −0.58]). Mean GI knowledge 2.14 [0.59, 3.69], understanding of GI concept 1.65 [0.85, 2.44] and self-efficacy for consuming low-GI foods 1.29 [0.51, 2.07] increased among the intervention group (P &lt; 0.01) compared with the control group. Conclusions Web-based GI-targeted education program improved the quality of carbohydrate consumption among adults with T2D and may have been mediated through increases in knowledge and self-efficacy. Web-based nutrition education may be an effective alternative in this population. Funding Sources Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research.

scholarly journals Effects of individualized follow-up with a smartphone-application after cardiac rehabilitation: protocol of a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernille Lunde ◽  
Asta Bye ◽  
Astrid Bergland ◽  
Birgitta Blakstad Nilsson
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Power Calculation ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are evidence-based and widely recommended. However, benefits from CR are likely lost among individuals who discontinue their regular exercise routines and healthy habits. One possible approach to enhance adherence to lifestyle advice after completion of CR, may be individualized follow-up enabled by a smartphone application (app). Methods A protocol of a single-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. The study will take place in the eastern part of Norway, and will include heart patients who have completed CR. Participants will be recruited from two CR centers. Based on power calculation, 113 participants will be included. The intervention group will receive individualized follow-up through an app on a weekly basis throughout a year. The app will be set up with the participant’s own goals, and the follow-up will be based on these individual goals. The control group will receive usual care, including general advice regarding physical activity, exercise and diet. The participants will be assessed at baseline (at completion of CR) and 12 months after baseline. Primary outcome of the study will be peak oxygen uptake. Secondary outcomes include exercise performance, quality of life, health status, health literacy, self-perceived goal achievement, exercise habits, body weight, blood pressure as well as lipids and triglycerides. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the effects of individualized follow-up with an app for one year, in patients completing CR. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that the study may be groundbreaking. Due to the large sample size and the theoretically based intervention, the study has the potential to generate new knowledge that may improve the design of future technology-based follow-up interventions of patients that have completed rehabilitation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03174106. First registration, 19/05/2017.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Text Messaging and Personal Consultation by Pharmacy Students Among Adults With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panpan Zhai ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Wenjing Ji ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Li Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

BACKGROUND Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, and high rates of hypertension prevalence have either remained the same or increased in developing countries in recent years. Unfortunately, about 20% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases have been nonadherent to their drug therapy. SMS text messaging and pharmacy student–led consultations have the potential to help patients manage their blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage the BP of Chinese patients with hypertension. METHODS We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among patients with hypertension in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and recruited 384 patients from 8 community health care centers. Patients were randomized into an intervention group to receive SMS text messages and consultations or into a control group to receive usual care for 3 months. We sent SMS text messages at 3-day intervals and collected data at baseline (including demographics, clinical outcomes, medication complexity, side effects, patient behavior, knowledge about hypertension, BP, and medication adherence) and the 3-month follow-up (including BP, medication adherence, and knowledge about hypertension). RESULTS We assessed 445 patients with hypertension and excluded 61 patients who were not eligible or who had not filled out their questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 (SD 7.9) years in the intervention group and 69.4 (SD 9.7) years in the control group, and the sample was primarily female (265/384, 69.0%). Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic BP (SBP; mean 134.5 mm Hg, SD 15.5 mm Hg vs mean 140.7 mm Hg, SD 15.2 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.001), medication adherence (mean 7.4, SD 1.2 vs mean 7.0, SD 1.3; <i>P</i>=.04), and knowledge about hypertension (mean 6.3, SD 0.9 vs mean 5.9, SD 1.2; <i>P</i>=.004) compared with those in the control group. In measures of diastolic BP (DBP), the two arms showed nonsignificant improvements (mean 78.2 mm Hg, SD 9.0 mm Hg vs mean 77.2 mm Hg, SD 10.3 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.06). In total, 176 patients had controlled BP at the 3-month follow-up (98 patients in the intervention group vs 78 patients in the control group), but it was nonsignificant (<i>P</i>=.08). CONCLUSIONS The use of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage SBP and improve medication adherence is effective, feasible, and acceptable among Chinese patients with hypertension, although a significant difference was not observed with regard to DBP. It is important to maximize the potential of SMS text messaging and consultation by increasing the feasibility and acceptance of mobile interventions and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on this method. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026862; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42717.

scholarly journals A Community Pharmacist-led Smoking Cessation Intervention Using a Smartphone App (PharmQuit): A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narong Asayut ◽  
Phayom Sookaneknun Olson ◽  
Juntip Kanjanasilp ◽  
Preut Thanarat ◽  
Bhattaraporn Senkraigul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Smoking Cessation Services

Abstract Background: WHO supports the harnessing of mobile technologies to improve access to smoking cessation services. PharmQuit, a smartphone app, was developed to support smoking cessation efforts by pharmacists taking into consideration the design of the app according to the needs of smokers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of smoking cessation services conducted by community pharmacists using PharmQuit compared with standard care.Methods: An open-label prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Stratified random sampling by sex, age, and nicotine addiction was used to allocate participants to either the intervention group or control group. Eligible participants were smokers 18 years old or older who smoked at least one cigarette daily for a month, were ready to quit, willing to participate, and had a smartphone. The study was performed at seven community pharmacies situated in three provinces in Thailand. In the intervention group, participants received smoking cessation services by community pharmacists using PharmQuit. The control group received standard care delivered by community pharmacists. Both groups were scheduled follow-ups at day 7, 14, 30, 60, 120, and 180. The primary outcomes were quit rate and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Secondary outcomes were exhaled carbon monoxide levels, adherence rate to the program, and satisfaction with PharmQuit. Analysis using the intent-to-treat principle was carried out. Results: A total of 156 smokers were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=78) or control (n=78) group. Smoking cessation rates and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were significantly better over the follow-up visits in both groups (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Adherence rate to the smoking cessation program was higher in the intervention group than the control group (74 days vs 60 days, p>0.05). Relapse rate was found to be lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group (28.6% vs 71.4%). Conclusions: The results showed obvious benefits of the community pharmacist’s contribution in helping smokers quit smoking. PharmQuit was not better than just pharmacist’s counselling but it might help to obtain better adherence to smoking cessation programs, and have less likelihood of relapse. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20200925004. Registration date September 25, 2020 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=6841

A Smartphone App in Promoting Mental Wellbeing and Awareness of Anxiety Disorders for Adolescents: A Pilot Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuying Sun ◽  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Christian S. Chan ◽  
Patrick K.W. Man ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BACKGROUND Mental health problems in adolescents are prevalent while population-based interventions for improving mental wellbeing of adolescents are limited. OBJECTIVE To design a smartphone app and evaluate its effect on promoting mental wellbeing of adolescents and awareness of anxiety disorders. METHODS A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted with 2 secondary schools (390 students, mean age 13.1 years) randomised to the intervention and control groups. A smartphone app was designed for one month’s use to promote mental wellbeing through “Sharing, Mind and Enjoyment (SME)” related interactions between students and their parents (e.g., express gratitude to family in words or actions), with assistance of App designers in releasing SME tasks daily. The waitlist control group was offered the app after completing all assessments. The primary outcomes were SME behaviours measured at 3-month after baseline. Secondary outcomes included subjective happiness, wellbeing, personal health and happiness, family health, happiness and harmony, self-perceived knowledge and understanding of anxiety disorders. Two focus groups of students and three individual in-depth interviews of service providers were conducted. RESULTS In the intervention students, 11.2% used the app together with parents and 45.4% used it without involving parents. The intervention group did not show significant difference in the change of SME behaviours at 1-month or 3-month compared with the control group. The intervention group showed greater increase in the awareness of anxiety disorders at follow-ups than the control group (Cohen’s d=0.52 at 1-month and 0.43 at 3-month, both P<0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed significantly greater increase in SME-related behaviours in the adherent subgroup than the control group at 3-month (d=0.46, P=0.04). The interviews found favourable changes in app users, but motivation of using the app was low in general. Both students and community partners suggested primary school students would be more receptive users. CONCLUSIONS The app did not show effectiveness in increasing SME behaviours of students but was effective in increasing awareness of anxiety disorders. Further improvements and tests among younger children and their parents are warranted. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03361475

scholarly journals Effects of topiramate on neural responses to alcohol cues in treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder: preliminary findings from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reagan R. Wetherill ◽  
Nathaniel Spilka ◽  
Kanchana Jagannathan ◽  
Paige Morris ◽  
Danielle Romer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cue Reactivity ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Alcohol Cues ◽  
Brain Responses ◽  
The Right

AbstractTopiramate, a GABA/glutamate modulator, is efficacious in reducing alcohol consumption, though the mechanisms underlying this effect are not well characterized. This study analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 22 heavy drinkers enrolled in a 12-week placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of topiramate to examine the effects of topiramate on alcohol cue-elicited brain responses, craving, and heavy drinking in individuals with DSM-5 alcohol use disorder. Patients were randomized to receive either topiramate (maximal daily dosage of 200 mg/day) or placebo and were administered an fMRI alcohol cue-reactivity task at baseline (before starting medication) and after 6 weeks of double-blind treatment. Analyses compared the topiramate (n = 12) and placebo (n = 8) groups on (1) the change in brain responses during alcohol cue exposure (vs non-alcohol cues) within five a priori regions of interest related to reward—the bilateral and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and bilateral ventral striatum (VS) and (2) change in craving and heavy drinking days (HDDs) from baseline and scan 2. Topiramate, relative to placebo, reduced alcohol cue-elicited activation of the left VS, bilateral OFC, and medial OFC, alcohol cue-elicited craving, and HDDs between baseline and 6 weeks of treatment. The reduction in alcohol cue-elicited activation in the medial OFC correlated with reductions in craving, and reduced activation in the right VS, right OFC, and medial OFC correlated with the reduction in HDD. This preliminary study provides evidence that topiramate’s attenuation of alcohol cue-elicited brain activation and craving are key elements of the drug’s neurobiological mechanism of action in reducing heavy drinking.

scholarly journals Effect of text messaging on depression in patients with coronary heart disease: a substudy analysis from the TEXT ME randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e022637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Clara K Chow ◽  
Julie Redfern ◽  
Cindy Kok ◽  
Karin Rådholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Support Programme ◽  
History Of ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
History Of Depression

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effects on depression scores of a lifestyle-focused cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).DesignSubstudy and secondary analysis of a parallel-group, single-blind randomised controlled trial of patients with CHD.SettingA tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.InterventionThe Tobacco, Exercise and dieT MEssages programme comprised four text messages per week for 6 months that provided education, motivation and support on diet, physical activity, general cardiac education and smoking, if relevant. The programme did not have any specific mental health component.OutcomesDepression scores at 6 months measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Treatment effect across subgroups was measured using log-binomial regression model for the binary outcome (depressed/not depressed, where depressed is any score of PHQ-9 ≥5) with treatment, subgroup and treatment by subgroup interaction as fixed effects.ResultsDepression scores at 6 months were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group, mean difference 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.4, p<0.0001). The frequency of mild or greater depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores≥5) at 6 months was 21/333 (6.3%) in the intervention group and 86/350 (24.6%) in the control group (relative risk (RR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.40, p<0.001). This proportional reduction in depressive symptoms was similar across groups defined by age, sex, education, body mass index, physical activity, current smoking, current drinking and history of depression, diabetes and hypertension. In particular, the rates of PHQ-9 ≥5 among people with a history of depression were 4/44 (9.1%) vs 29/62 (46.8%) in intervention vs control (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.51, p<0.001), and were 17/289 (5.9%) vs 57/288 (19.8%) among others (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.50, p<0.001).ConclusionsAmong people with CHD, a cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging was associated with fewer symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression at 6 months in the treatment group compared with controls.Trial registration numberACTRN12611000161921.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Acceptability of a Text Message–Based Intervention to Reduce Overuse of Alcohol in Emergency Department Patients: Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial

10.2196/17557 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. e17557
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Burner ◽  
Mark Zhang ◽  
Sophie Terp ◽  
Kelsey Ford Bench ◽  
Joshua Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Risky Alcohol

Background Emergency department (ED) patients have high rates of risky alcohol use, and an ED visit offers an opportunity to intervene. ED-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) reduces alcohol use and health care costs. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may expand the impact of SBIRTs but are understudied in low-resource ED populations. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of and patient satisfaction with a text-based mHealth extension of an ED screening program to reduce risky alcohol use in low-income, urban patients. Methods Research assistants screened a convenience sample of ED patients in person for risky alcohol use via the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Patients who reported AUDIT scores ≥8 and <20 were informed of their AUDIT score and risk. RAs invited patients with SMS text message–capable phones to receive mROAD (mobilizing to Reduce Overuse of Alcohol in the ED), an SMS text message–based extension of the ED screening program. mROAD is a 7-day program of twice-daily SMS text messages based on the National Institutes of Health’s Rethinking Drinking campaign. Participants were allocated to a control group (daily sham text messages without specific guidance on behaviors, such as “Thanks for taking part!”) or to the mROAD intervention group. Patients were interviewed at 30 days to assess acceptability, satisfaction, and changes in drinking behavior. Satisfaction was examined descriptively. Pre and post measurements of drinking behaviors and motivation were compared, as were differences in change scores between the intervention arms. Results Of 1028 patients screened, 95 (9.2%) exhibited risky alcohol use based on AUDIT, and 23/95 (24%) of those patients did not own an SMS text messaging–capable phone; this left 72/95 (76%) eligible patients. Among eligible participants, 48/72 (67%) agreed to enroll; 31/48 (65%) achieved follow-up (18/24 (75%) in the intervention group and 13/24 (55%) in the control group). Participants who completed follow-up reported high satisfaction. Changes in behavior were similar between the arms. Overall, the number of drinking days reported in the prior 30 days decreased by 5.0 (95% CI 1.7-8.3; P=.004), and the number of heavy drinking days decreased by 4.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 7.15, P=.01). Patients reported an 11-point increase (95% CI 2.6-20, P=.01, 10% overall increase) in motivation to change alcohol use via the Change Questionnaire. The were no statistical differences in drinking days, heavy drinking days, or motivation to change between the arms. Conclusions The mROAD trial was feasible. Over three-quarters of ED patients with risky alcohol use owned a text message–capable phone, and two-thirds of these patients were willing to participate; only 1 patient opted out of the intervention. Although 35% of patients were lost to follow-up at 30 days, those patients who did follow up had favorable impressions of the program; more than 90% reported that SMS text messages were a “good way to teach,” and 89% of intervention arm participants enjoyed the program and found that the messages were motivating. Both the mROAD and sham message groups showed promising changes in alcohol use and motivation to change. mROAD is a feasible intervention that may reduce rates of risky alcohol use in ED patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02158949; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02158949

scholarly journals A Text Message�Based Intervention Targeting Alcohol Consumption Among University Students: User Satisfaction and Acceptability Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrika Müssener ◽  
Kristin Thomas ◽  
Catharina Linderoth ◽  
Matti Leijon ◽  
Marcus Bendtsen
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
University Students ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Drinking Habits ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Heavy consumption of alcohol among university students is a global problem, with excessive drinking being the social norm. Students can be a difficult target group to reach, and only a minority seek alcohol-related support. It is important to develop interventions that can reach university students in a way that does not further stretch the resources of the health services. Text messaging (short message service, SMS)–based interventions can enable continuous, real-time, cost-effective, brief support in a real-world setting, but there is a limited amount of evidence for effective interventions on alcohol consumption among young people based on text messaging. To address this, a text messaging–based alcohol consumption intervention, the Amadeus 3 intervention, was developed. OBJECTIVE This study explored self-reported changes in drinking habits in an intervention group and a control group. Additionally, user satisfaction among the intervention group and the experience of being allocated to a control group were explored. METHODS Students allocated to the intervention group (n=460) were asked about their drinking habits and offered the opportunity to give their opinion on the structure and content of the intervention. Students in the control group (n=436) were asked about their drinking habits and their experience in being allocated to the control group. Participants received an email containing an electronic link to a short questionnaire. Descriptive analyses of the distribution of the responses to the 12 questions for the intervention group and 5 questions for the control group were performed. RESULTS The response rate for the user feedback questionnaire of the intervention group was 38% (176/460) and of the control group was 30% (129/436). The variation in the content of the text messages from facts to motivational and practical advice was appreciated by 77% (135/176) participants, and 55% (97/176) found the number of messages per week to be adequate. Overall, 81% (142/176) participants stated that they had read all or nearly all the messages, and 52% (91/176) participants stated that they were drinking less, and increased awareness regarding negative consequences was expressed as the main reason for reduced alcohol consumption. Among the participants in the control group, 40% (52/129) stated that it did not matter that they had to wait for access to the intervention. Regarding actions taken while waiting for access, 48% (62/129) participants claimed that they continued to drink as before, whereas 35% (45/129) tried to reduce their consumption without any support. CONCLUSIONS Although the main randomized controlled trial was not able to detect a statistically significant effect of the intervention, most participants in this qualitative follow-up study stated that participation in the study helped them reflect upon their consumption, leading to altered drinking habits and reduced alcohol consumption. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN95054707; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN95054707 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/705putNZT)

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