The acceptability and feasibility of a mobile phone delivered brief intervention for hazardous drinking in India

The effectiveness of Brief Interventions (BIs) for hazardous drinking is well established. However, the implementation of BIs at scale in low- and middle-income countries such as India is rare, primarily due to human resource related barriers. This paper describes the testing of acceptability and feasibility, and the preliminary impact, of a mobile phone delivered BI in an uncontrolled treatment cohort and nested qualitative study. Consenting adult (≥18 years) participants with an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score between 8 to 15 were recruited from educational institutions, workplaces and primary care settings. The TLFB (Time-Line Follow Back) was administered to participants at baseline and 3 months post recruitment. All participants received the BI through text messages or IVR (Interactive Voice Response) over eight weeks; and in-depth interviews were conducted with some participants. The mean pre and post outcomes were compared using paired t-test. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analyses. 29 participants received the intervention and 16 (55%) completed the outcome assessments. Some key qualitative findings indicated the desire from participants for fewer messages and messages that did not require interaction; and more messages with motivational content and information on practical skills to reduce drinking. The percentage days abstinent was significantly higher at follow up than baseline in all those who had completed the TLFB at baseline and follow up. Feasibility and acceptability testing is an important component of the intervention development process to ensure that the resulting intervention is suitable for the context.