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Detecting and Understanding Social Influence During Drinking Situations: Protocol for a Bluetooth-Based Sensor
Kristina Jackson1, Matthew Meisel1, Alexander Sokolovsky1
1Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
JMIR Research Protocols
|June 6, 2024
Summary
This study tested a Bluetooth sensor and app to track social drinking among young adults. Findings will help create real-time interventions for high-risk alcohol consumption.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Substance Use Research
- Social Network Analysis
Background:
- High-risk alcohol consumption in young adults often occurs in peer groups.
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) studies social influence but relies on self-report.
- Bluetooth technology offers passive detection of real-time social interactions for interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Bluetooth sensors and a smartphone app.
- To measure social contact during real-world high-risk drinking situations.
Main Methods:
- A 3-week EMA study involving 20 young adults who drink heavily.
- Participants used Android devices for EMA reports, triggered by peer-carried Bluetooth beacons.
- Assessed alcohol use, social environment, peer proximity, and drinking behaviors.
Main Results:
- Participant recruitment occurred from February to December 2023.
- Full results detailing feasibility and acceptability are anticipated in 2025.
Conclusions:
- The study protocol effectively examined Bluetooth sensor feasibility for detecting social contact during drinking.
- Results will inform just-in-time adaptive interventions for high-risk alcohol use in naturalistic settings.
