1
|
Lowik A, Mniszak C, Pang M, Ziafat K, Karamouzian M, Knight R. A sex- and gender-based analysis of alcohol treatment intervention research involving youth: A methodological systematic review. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004413. [PMID: 38829916 PMCID: PMC11182506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is widespread consensus that sex- and gender-related factors are important for how interventions are designed, implemented, and evaluated, it is not currently known how alcohol treatment research accounts for sex characteristics and/or gender identities and modalities. This methodological systematic review documents and assesses how sex characteristics, gender identities, and gender modalities are operationalized in alcohol treatment intervention research involving youth. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LGBT Life, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and grey literature from 2008 to 2023. We included articles that reported genders and/or sexes of participants 30 years of age and under and screened participants using AUDIT, AUDIT-C, or a structured interview using DSM-IV criteria. We limited the inclusion to studies that enrolled participants in alcohol treatment interventions and used a quantitative study design. We provide a narrative overview of the findings. Of 8,019 studies screened for inclusion, 86 articles were included in the review. None of the studies defined, measured, and reported both sex and gender variables accurately. Only 2 studies reported including trans participants. Most of the studies used gender or sex measures as a covariate to control for the effects of sex or gender on the intervention but did not discuss the rationale for or implications of this procedure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify that the majority of alcohol treatment intervention research with youth conflate sex and gender factors, including terminologically, conceptually, and methodologically. Based on these findings, we recommend future research in this area define and account for a spectrum of gender modalities, identities, and/or sex characteristics throughout the research life cycle, including during study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. It is also imperative that sex and gender variables are used expansively to ensure that intersex and trans youth are meaningfully integrated. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration: PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42019119408.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A.J. Lowik
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Caroline Mniszak
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michelle Pang
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kimia Ziafat
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Université de Montréal, École de santé publique, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Montréal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anderson JC, Nguyen MU, Huynh W, Sharif K, Moret JED. Enhancing Campus Safety: Exploring Student Perspectives on a Text Message-Delivered Intervention for Addressing Sexual Violence and Alcohol Use. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2024; 20:30-42. [PMID: 38019029 PMCID: PMC10922041 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related sexual violence, including sexual coercion, nonconsensual contact, and rape, is prevalent on college campuses. AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate college students' feedback and recommendations regarding content for a text-message-delivered harm reduction intervention to jointly address alcohol use and alcohol's role in sexual violence risk. METHODS This qualitative thematic study used focus groups and individual interviews to collect feedback from 61 college students between February 2019 and July 2020. RESULTS Targeted recruitment resulted in a sample that was nearly half queer/ lesbian, gay, bisexual (46.2%) or trans* (9.8%) identified students. Participants endorsed text messaging as an effective way to reach college students but diverged in specific content they felt was relevant and appropriate for a universal education intervention. Students preferred content describing individual strategies versus those requiring collaboration from friends or potential sex partners. Students also preferred content phrased as suggestions or questions versus declarative statements. Although most participants recognized the value of content related to consent, sexual violence, sexual health, and resources, a few male-identifying participants failed to recognize that content as important to their experience. Maintaining brevity while discussing consent in the overlapping settings of drinking and interpersonal relationships was described as a particular challenge. IMPACT OF THIS WORK ON CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FORENSIC NURSING Students in our sample highlighted the challenges of sharing sexual violence and alcohol-related harm reduction text messaging because of the complexities of rape culture, consent, and interpersonal dynamics during college student drinking events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn C. Anderson
- Associate Professor; College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Science; 4301 West Markhan Street, Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Meghan U. Nguyen
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Wendy Huynh
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Khadeeja Sharif
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jessica E. Draughon Moret
- Associate Professor; Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis @DrDraughon
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Suffoletto B, Pacella-LaBarbara ML, Huber J, Delgado MK, McDonald C. Effectiveness of a Text Message Intervention to Reduce Texting While Driving Among Targeted Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:423-431. [PMID: 35725538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This randomized clinical trial tested the efficacy of a 6-week text message program to reduce texting while driving (TWD) for young adults. METHODS Eligible individuals recruited from four emergency departments from December 2019 to June 2021 were aged 18-25 years who reported TWD in the past 2 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to intervention:assessment control. The intervention arm (n = 57) received an automated interactive text message program, including weekly queries about TWD for 6 weeks with feedback and goal support to promote cessation of TWD. The assessment control arm (n = 55) received identical weekly TWD queries but no additional feedback. Outcomes were collected via web-based self-assessments at 6- and 12 weeks and analyzed under intent-to-treat models, presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The mean (SD) age was 21.7 (2.1) years, 73 (65%) were female, and 40 (36%) were White. The 6-week follow-up rate was 77.7% (n = 87) and 12-week follow-up rate was 64.3% (n = 72). At 6 weeks, 52.6% (95% CI, 39.0%-66.0%) of intervention participants reported TWD versus 63.6% (95% CI, 49.6%-76.2%) of control participants (adjusted OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.32-1.59). At 12 weeks, 38.2% (95% CI, 22.8%-53.5%) of intervention participants reported TWD versus 69.3% (95% CI, 53.8%-84.7%) of control participants (adjusted OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.80). DISCUSSION An interactive text message intervention was more effective at reducing self-reported TWD among young adults than assessment control at 12 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Suffoletto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | | | - James Huber
- University of West Virginia School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - M Kit Delgado
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biostastistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PENN Injury Science Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Catherine McDonald
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PENN Injury Science Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chavez K, Palfai TP. Reducing Heavy Episodic Drinking among College Students Using a Combined Web and Interactive Text Messaging Intervention. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2020.1784067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Chavez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Bosto, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tibor P. Palfai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Bosto, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lac A, Luk JW. Pathways from Positive, Negative, and Specific Alcohol Expectancies to Weekday and Weekend Drinking to Alcohol Problems. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 20:800-809. [PMID: 30685802 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-019-0986-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The current study tested and identified risk and protective pathways from alcohol expectancies to weekday and weekend consumption to problematic consequences. Adult alcohol users (N = 395) completed measures of alcohol expectancies, daily consumption habits during a typical week, and alcohol-related problems. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the five-factor structure of positive expectancy, negative expectancy, weekday drinking, weekend drinking, and alcohol problems. The structural equation model specifying general positive and negative expectancy to weekday and weekend use to alcohol problems exhibited satisfactory fit indices. Specifically, positive expectancy contributed to greater weekend drinking, but negative expectancy prompted greater weekday drinking. Furthermore, lower positive expectancy, higher negative expectancy, higher weekday drinking, and higher weekend drinking each uniquely explained greater alcohol problems. The structural equation model involving the seven specific expectancies to weekday and weekend use to alcohol problems produced high fit indices. Specifically, higher risk and aggression, higher self-perception, and lower cognitive and behavioral impairment expectancies uniquely predicted weekday drinking. In contrast, higher sociability, higher liquid courage, higher risk and aggression, and lower cognitive impairment expectancies explained weekend drinking. The predictive model premised on specific alcohol expectancies as distinct constructs exhibited higher fit indices and more nuanced insights regarding risk and protective pathways for prevention than the model involving general positive versus negative expectancy constructs. Findings underscore that different types of self-fulfilling alcohol expectancy beliefs distinctively explain weekday versus weekend intake and problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lac
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, USA.
| | - Jeremy W Luk
- Health Behavior Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chavez K, Palfai TP. Feasibility of a Mobile Messaging-Enhanced Brief Intervention for High Risk Heavy Drinking MSM: A Pre-Pilot Study. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2019; 38:87-105. [PMID: 32982032 PMCID: PMC7518379 DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2019.1653240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to assess the feasibility of an in-person session + mobile messaging intervention approach to reduce heavy drinking and condomless anal intercourse among heavy drinking men who have sex with men at high risk for HIV. Participant (n = 8) engagement rates, retention and satisfaction ratings were used to measure feasibility and acceptability of the 4-week intervention. Paired t-tests were used to assess additional secondary outcomes. Results support the feasibility and acceptability of this novel treatment approach among this population. Pre-post intervention effect sizes on alcohol, sex risk and process variable secondary outcomes are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Chavez
- Boston University, Psychological and Brain Science, 900 Commonwealth Avenue 2 Floor, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Tibor P. Palfai
- Boston University, Psychological and Brain Science, 900 Commonwealth Avenue 2 Floor, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bishop FM, Rodriquez Orjuela JL. Toward the prevention of alcohol use disorders: Overdrinking (unintentional binge drinking) in a community sample. Health Psychol Open 2018; 5:2055102918792705. [PMID: 30151223 PMCID: PMC6108020 DOI: 10.1177/2055102918792705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 64,000,000 people in the United States report binge drinking at least once in the past month. Unlike overeating and oversleeping, "overdrinking"-defined as drinking more than a person intends to drink-does not exist in the literature. Terms such as binge and problem drinking do not consider the intent of the drinker. The results of this pilot study suggest that most people drink more than they intend to drink. Moreover, they also report often being surprised that they overdrank. Smartphones may help overdrinkers be less often surprised by overdrinking and may prevent drinkers from developing an alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mastroleo NR, Celio MA, Barnett NP, Colby SM, Kahler CW, Operario D, Suffoletto BP, Monti PM. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Motivational Intervention Combined with Text Messaging for Alcohol and Sex Risk Reduction with Emergency Department Patients: A Pilot Trial. ADDICTION RESEARCH & THEORY 2018; 27:85-94. [PMID: 31073283 PMCID: PMC6502468 DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1444159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions aimed at reducing co-occurring heavy drinking and risky sexual behavior among Emergency Department (ED) patients require feasibility and acceptability to optimally engage individuals. OBJECTIVES This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of an interactive text-messaging (TM) supplement to a brief in-person intervention previously found successful in reducing alcohol use and condomless sex. METHODS Using a mixed-method design, ED patients with past hazardous alcohol use and condomless sex (N= 20) were randomly assigned to receive either a Motivational Intervention + TM or Brief Advice + TM. All participants completed exit interviews at four weeks follow-up, and transcripts were transcribed and coded to identify themes. We evaluated feasibility through quantitative assessment of TM response rates and latency to response, while acceptability was evaluated through thematic analysis of exit interviews. RESULTS Findings provide support for the delivery of an integrated and personalized MI and TM. Participants engaged positively with the TM intervention and qualitative interviews offered strong support for the acceptability while offering information necessary to enhance the TM component. CONCLUSIONS Integrating MI with TM is feasible and acceptable to at-risk ED patients and could facilitate behavior changes beyond MI alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine R. Mastroleo
- College of Community and Public Affairs, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Mark A. Celio
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Nancy P. Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Suzanne M. Colby
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Christopher W. Kahler
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Don Operario
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Brian P. Suffoletto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Peter M. Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-S121-5, Providence, RI 02912
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Suffoletto B, Chung T, Muench F, Monti P, Clark DB. A Text Message Intervention with Adaptive Goal Support to Reduce Alcohol Consumption Among Non-Treatment-Seeking Young Adults: Non-Randomized Clinical Trial with Voluntary Length of Enrollment. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e35. [PMID: 29453191 PMCID: PMC5834751 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.8530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stand-alone text message–based interventions can reduce binge drinking episodes (≥4 drinks for women and ≥5 drinks for men) among nontreatment-seeking young adults, but may not be optimized. Adaptive text message support could enhance effectiveness by assisting context-specific goal setting and striving, but it remains unknown how to best integrate it into text message interventions. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate young adults’ engagement with a text message intervention, Texting to Reduce Alcohol Consumption 2 (TRAC2), which focuses on reducing weekend alcohol consumption. TRAC2 incorporated preweekend drinking-limit goal-commitment ecological momentary assessments (EMA) tailored to past 2-week alcohol consumption, intraweekend goal reminders, self-efficacy EMA with support tailored to goal confidence, and maximum weekend alcohol consumption EMA with drinking limit goal feedback. Methods We enrolled 38 nontreatment-seeking young adults (aged 18 to 25 years) who screened positive for hazardous drinking in an urban emergency department. Following a 2-week text message assessment-only run-in, subjects were given the opportunity to enroll in 4-week intervention blocks. We examined patterns of EMA responses and voluntary re-enrollment. We then examined how goal commitment and goal self-efficacy related to event-level alcohol consumption. Finally, we examined the association of length of TRAC2 exposure with alcohol-related outcomes from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Results Among a diverse sample of young adults (56% [28/50] female, 54% [27/50] black, 32% [12/50] college enrolled), response rates to EMA queries were, on average, 82% for the first 4-week intervention block, 75% for the second 4-week block, and 73% for the third 4-week block. In the first 4 weeks of the intervention, drinking limit goal commitment was made 68/71 times it was prompted (96%). The percentage of subjects being prompted to commit to a drinking limit goal above the binge threshold was 52% (15/29) in week 1 and decreased to 0% (0/15) by week 4. Subjects met their goal 130/146 of the times a goal was committed to (89.0%). There were lower rates of goal success when subjects reported lower confidence (score <4) in meeting the goal (76% [32/42 weekends]) compared with that when subjects reported high confidence (98% [56/57 weekends]; P=.001). There were reductions in alcohol consumption from baseline to 3 months, but reductions were not different by length of intervention exposure. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests that nontreatment-seeking young adults will engage with a text message intervention incorporating self-regulation support features, resulting in high rates of weekend drinking limit goal commitment and goal success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Suffoletto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tammy Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Frederick Muench
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Medical Center, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Peter Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Duncan B Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bishop FM. Self-guided Change: The most common form of long-term, maintained health behavior change. Health Psychol Open 2018; 5:2055102917751576. [PMID: 29375888 PMCID: PMC5777567 DOI: 10.1177/2055102917751576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of people change risky, health-related behaviors and maintain those changes. However, they often take years to change, and their unhealthy behaviors may harm themselves and others and constitute a significant cost to society. A review-similar in nature to a scoping review-was done of the literature related to long-term health behavior change in six areas: alcohol, cocaine and heroin misuse, gambling, smoking, and overeating. Based on the limited research available, reasons for change and strategies for changing and for maintaining change were also reviewed. Fifty years of research clearly indicate that as people age, in the case of alcohol, heroin and cocaine misuse, smoking, and gambling, 80-90 percent moderate or stop their unhealthy behaviors. The one exception is overeating; only 20 percent maintain their weight loss. Most of these changes, when they occur, appear to be the result of self-guided change. More ways to accelerate self-guided, health-related behavior change need to be developed and disseminated.
Collapse
|
11
|
Attwood S, Parke H, Larsen J, Morton KL. Using a mobile health application to reduce alcohol consumption: a mixed-methods evaluation of the drinkaware track & calculate units application. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:394. [PMID: 28511698 PMCID: PMC5434584 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smartphone applications (“apps”) offer promise as tools to help people monitor and reduce their alcohol consumption. To date, few evaluations of alcohol reduction apps exist, with even fewer considering apps already available to the public. The aim of this study was to evaluate an existing publically available app, designed by Drinkaware, a UK-based alcohol awareness charity. Methods We adopted a mixed-methods design, analysing routinely collected app usage data to explore user characteristics and patterns of usage. Following this, in-depth interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of app users to examine perceptions of acceptability, usability and perceived effectiveness, as well as to provide recommendations on how to improve the app. Results One hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred thirteen people downloaded and entered data into the app over a 13-month period. High attrition was observed after 1 week. Users who engaged with the app tended to be “high risk” drinkers and to report being motivated “to reduce drinking” at the point of first download. In those who consistently engaged with the app over time, self-reported alcohol consumption levels reduced, with most change occurring in the first week of usage. Our qualitative findings indicate satisfaction with the usability of the app, but mixed feedback was given regarding individual features. Users expressed conflicting views concerning the type of feedback and notifications that the app currently provides. A common preference was expressed for more personalised content. Conclusions The Drinkaware app is a useful tool to support behaviour change in individuals who are already motivated and committed to reducing their alcohol consumption. The Drinkaware app would benefit from greater personalisation and tailoring to promote longer term use. This evaluation provides insight into the usability and acceptability of various app features and contains a number of recommendations for improving user satisfaction and the potential effectiveness of apps designed to encourage reductions in alcohol consumption. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4358-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Attwood
- Nuffield Health Research Group, Nuffield Health, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Katie L Morton
- Health and Well-being Services, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| |
Collapse
|