Acceptability and feasibility of a new-generation alcohol biosensor: A mixed methods evaluation in a large community...

Wearable alcohol biosensors offer an innovative solution for real-time alcohol monitoring, yet concerns about comfort, privacy, and social acceptability have limited their adoption. This study presents the largest real-world evaluation to date of a new-generation wrist-worn alcohol biosensor. In this study, 150 healthy adults (ages 21-54) wore the BACtrack Skyn sensor continuously for 14 days. Using a mixed methods design, we assessed pre- and poststudy feasibility and acceptability through structured surveys and open-ended responses, applying innovative machine learning techniques, including Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency and sentiment analysis, to capture nuanced user experiences at scale. Participants showed high compliance (median wear time: 94.66%), and 77% expressed willingness to extend device use. The device's discreet, smartwatchlike appearance supported high social acceptability, with most users reporting easy integration into daily life even if no significant changes in alcohol consumption were observed. While some discomfort-particularly itching and sleep interference-was reported, overall comfort and usability ratings were favorable. Findings indicate that the new-generation wrist-worn alcohol biosensor is a feasible and well-accepted tool for alcohol monitoring. High compliance and positive user reception highlight its potential for real-world applications. While sensor comfort was generally positively rated, refining the device's fit and materials could enhance wearability over extended periods. These insights contribute to the ongoing development of wearable alcohol biosensors that balance usability, functionality, and user experience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).