Development of a Web-based alcohol intervention for university students: processes and challenges

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Electronic screening and brief interventions show promise for reducing unhealthy alcohol use.
• Development processes for such digital health tools remain largely undescribed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an electronic screening and brief intervention (THRIVE) for unhealthy alcohol use.
• To assess the usability and reach of THRIVE in a large university population.

Main Methods:

• Thematic analysis of focus groups informed THRIVE's content and design.
• Usability testing with students and a randomized controlled trial involving 13,000 undergraduates.
• Server log analysis and follow-up surveys assessed intervention use and participant feedback.

Main Results:

• 7237 students completed screening; 34% screened positive for unhealthy drinking.
• 99% found THRIVE easy to complete; 76% found it relevant; 55% would recommend it.
• 30% accessed additional support service information via the platform.

Conclusions:

• Key design elements include easy access, brevity, clear language, personalized feedback, and service links.
• THRIVE demonstrates the potential reach of digital interventions in non-treatment-seeking, at-risk student populations.