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Published on: January 5, 2018
Using wireless handheld computers and tailored text messaging to reduce negative consequences of drinking alcohol
Jessica Aungst Weitzel1, Jay M Bernhardt, Stuart Usdan
1Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. jessica@ciurczak.net
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|June 15, 2007
Summary
This study shows that tailored text messages sent to college students via handheld computers can reduce alcohol consumption and negative consequences. This mobile health intervention is feasible and shows promise for promoting safer drinking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- College students are a demographic at high risk for alcohol-related consequences.
- Existing interventions for reducing alcohol misuse among college students have limitations.
- Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer a promising avenue for delivering targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a tailored text message intervention delivered via handheld computers for college students.
- To evaluate the short-term effects of this intervention on alcohol-related consequences.
- To explore the impact on drinking behavior, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies.
Main Methods:
- Forty college students were randomized into a control group (daily surveys) or a treatment group (daily surveys and tailored text messages).
- The intervention group received messages tailored to their reported drinking behavior, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies.
- Participants used wireless handheld computers for daily surveys and message delivery.
Main Results:
- The intervention was feasible, with most treatment participants receiving messages for 12-14 days.
- Treatment group participants reported significantly fewer drinks per drinking day compared to the control group.
- At follow-up, the treatment group showed lower expectancies of negative alcohol-related consequences.
Conclusions:
- Delivering tailored alcohol-related messages via handheld computers is a feasible mHealth strategy.
- This intervention demonstrated small but positive effects on college students' alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors.
- Future research should focus on larger, diverse samples and longer intervention periods.
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