Short message service (SMS) technology in alcohol research--a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Assessing alcohol use in young adults presents challenges for traditional methods.
• Internet and Short Message Service (SMS) technologies offer potential for improved data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, advantages, and limitations of combined Internet and SMS technology for alcohol use assessment.
• To determine if an evening SMS prompt influences subsequent self-reported alcohol consumption.

Main Methods:

• Seventy young adults (mean age 22.7) were recruited via multiple channels.
• Participants completed baseline assessments online and were randomized to receive or not receive an evening SMS reminder.
• Alcohol consumption was assessed via daily SMS surveys over four weekends.

Main Results:

• A high retention rate (75%) was achieved.
• SMS-reported alcohol intake strongly correlated with baseline Internet-assessed quantity.
• No significant difference in reported drinks was observed between groups with or without the evening SMS prompt.

Conclusions:

• Combined Internet and SMS technology provides a feasible, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for large-scale alcohol use surveys.
• This digital approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods like paper diaries.
• Further research should explore application restrictions and potential technological advancements.