Participant Satisfaction with Computer-Delivered Intervention Components and Its Relation to Alcohol Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral science
• Public health

Background:

• Few studies assess participant satisfaction with specific computer-delivered brief intervention (CDBI) elements.
• The impact of participant satisfaction on intervention outcomes remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how subjective reactions to a CDBI for heavy drinking vary with intervention components.
• To determine if participant satisfaction is associated with drinking outcomes at 3-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A factorial trial involving 352 heavy-drinking university students.
• Random assignment to 1 of 16 CDBI versions.
• Assessment of intervention likability, perceived empathy, and alcohol use outcomes.

Main Results:

• CDBI characteristics minimally affected participant ratings of likeability and empathy.
• Higher likeability ratings were significantly associated with reduced alcohol use outcomes over 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Subjective participant reactions to CDBIs can significantly influence alcohol use outcomes.
• Intervention design should consider user experience to maximize effectiveness.