A Text Message-Based Intervention Targeting Alcohol Consumption Among University Students: User Satisfaction and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• University students globally face heavy alcohol consumption, with excessive drinking often being the norm.
• Reaching students for alcohol-related support is challenging, as few seek help.
• Text messaging (short message service, SMS) interventions offer a scalable, cost-effective approach for real-time support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore self-reported changes in drinking habits among university students receiving a text messaging intervention.
• To assess user satisfaction with the intervention and the experience of being in a control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial allocated students to an intervention (n=460) or control (n=436) group.
• Participants completed electronic questionnaires on drinking habits and intervention feedback.
• Descriptive analyses were performed on questionnaire responses.

Main Results:

• The intervention group reported reduced alcohol consumption (52%) due to increased awareness of negative consequences.
• Most participants (77%) appreciated the varied content of text messages.
• While the main trial found no statistically significant effect, 52% of intervention participants reported drinking less.

Conclusions:

• Despite not reaching statistical significance in the primary trial, the Amadeus 3 intervention facilitated self-reflection on alcohol consumption.
• Most participants reported positive outcomes, including altered drinking habits and reduced alcohol intake.
• Text messaging interventions show promise for promoting healthier drinking behaviors among university students.