A controlled trial of web-based feedback for heavy drinking college students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Alcohol consumption is a significant concern among U.S. college students, especially first-year students.
• First-year college students are particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related harms.
• There is a need for effective interventions to address heavy drinking in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "electronic Check-Up to Go" (e-CHUG) internet program.
• To determine if e-CHUG can reduce alcohol consumption among at-risk college freshmen.
• To assess the short-term and intermediate-term efficacy of a digital intervention for college drinking.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 106 freshmen reporting heavy episodic drinking.
• Participants were assigned to either an e-CHUG feedback group or an assessment-only control group.
• Data were collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.

Main Results:

• The e-CHUG group showed significant reductions in drinks per week and peak Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at 8 weeks compared to the control group.
• By 16 weeks, the control group also reduced drinking, eliminating significant differences between the groups.
• Reductions in perceived normative drinking mediated the intervention's effect; no effects were observed in abstainers and light drinkers.

Conclusions:

• The e-CHUG intervention shows preliminary efficacy in reducing short-term alcohol consumption among at-risk college freshmen.
• The findings suggest that digital interventions may be a viable tool for addressing college drinking.
• Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and optimal delivery methods.