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Trompeter N, Williamson C, Rona RJ, Carr E, Simms A, Agwuna J, Fear NT, Goodwin L, Murphy D, Shearer J, Leightley D. Shorter communications: Exploring the impact of a brief smartphone-based alcohol intervention app (DrinksRation) on the quality of life of UK military veterans. Behav Res Ther 2024; 177:104540. [PMID: 38598898 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol misuse - defined as consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week - is a well-established problem among veterans. This study investigated the change in quality of life among help-seeking UK veterans who completed a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a digital smartphone application (called DrinksRation) and have previously sought clinical help for a mental health disorder. This study was a secondary outcome analysis of data collected during a randomised control trial. In total, 123 UK veterans participated in the study and were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Participants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their alcohol use and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, day 28 (end of intervention), day 84, and day 168. At the primary endpoint (day 84), we found significantly greater improvements in the intervention arm compared to the control arm for psychological quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.47), and environmental quality of life (d = 0.34). However, we observed no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control arm for social relationships and physical quality of life. Further, for day 168 we found no significant differences. Findings suggest that DrinksRation can increase quality of life among help-seeking veterans who have previously sought help for a mental health disorder, but the increases were modest and restricted to certain domains. Additional treatment may be needed for long-term and sustained improvements in quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Trompeter
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Charlotte Williamson
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ewan Carr
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Amos Simms
- British Army and Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Joan Agwuna
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola T Fear
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom and King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom and Combat Stress, Leatherhead, United Kingdom.
| | - James Shearer
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Daniel Leightley
- School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London; and King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Cunningham JA, Godinho A, Schell C, Studer J, Wardell JD, Garnett C, Bertholet N. Randomized controlled trial of a smartphone app designed to reduce unhealthy alcohol consumption. Internet Interv 2024; 36:100747. [PMID: 38812955 PMCID: PMC11133919 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Unhealthy alcohol use is common and causes tremendous harm. Most people with unhealthy alcohol use will never seek formal alcohol treatment. As an alternative, smartphone apps have been developed as one means to provide help to people concerned about their alcohol use. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a smartphone app targeting unhealthy alcohol consumption in a general population sample. Methods Participants were recruited from across Canada using online advertisements. Eligible participants who consented to the trial were asked to download a research-specific version of the app and were provided with a code that unlocked it (a different code for each participant to prevent sharing). Those who entered the code were randomized to one of two different versions of the app: 1) the Full app containing all intervention modules; or 2) the Educational only app, containing only the educational content of the app. Participants were followed-up at 6 months. The primary outcome variable was number of standard drinks in a typical week. Secondary outcome variables were frequency of heavy drinking days and experience of alcohol-related problems. Results A total of 761 participants were randomized to a condition. The follow-up rate was 81 %. A generalized linear mixed model revealed that participants receiving the full app reduced their typical weekly alcohol consumption to a greater extent than participants receiving the educational only app (incidence rate ratio 0.89; 95 % confidence interval 0.80 to 0.98). No significant differences were observed in the secondary outcome variables (p > .05). Discussion and conclusion The results of this trial provide some supportive evidence that smartphone apps can reduce unhealthy alcohol consumption. As this is the second randomized controlled trial demonstrating an impact of this same app (the first one targeted unhealthy alcohol use in university students), increased confidence is placed on the potential effectiveness of the smartphone app employed in the current trial.ClinicalTrials.org number: NCT04745325.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Cunningham
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Joseph Studer
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- Service of Adult Psychiatry North-West, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey D. Wardell
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Claire Garnett
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Bertholet
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
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Oldham M, Beard E, Loebenberg G, Dinu L, Angus C, Burton R, Field M, Greaves F, Hickman M, Kaner E, Michie S, Munafò M, Pizzo E, Brown J, Garnett C. Effectiveness of a smartphone app (Drink Less) versus usual digital care for reducing alcohol consumption among increasing-and-higher-risk adult drinkers in the UK: a two-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102534. [PMID: 38685934 PMCID: PMC11056393 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Digital interventions, including apps and websites, can be effective for reducing alcohol consumption. However, many are not evidence- or theory-informed and have not been evaluated. We tested the effectiveness of the Drink Less app for reducing alcohol consumption compared with usual digital care in the UK. Methods In this two-arm, parallel group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, we enrolled increasing-and-higher-risk drinkers (AUDIT ≥ 8) in the UK, who were motivated to reduce their alcohol consumption and willing to use a digital intervention to do so, via online methods. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1), using an online algorithm, to receive a web link to download the Drink Less app (intervention) or to the NHS alcohol advice webpage (usual digital care). Researchers were masked to group allocation. Participants were followed up at one, three and six months. The primary outcome was self-reported weekly alcohol consumption at six months, adjusting for baseline consumption. The full analytic sample was used in most analyses, though missing data was treated in different ways. The primary, pre-registered intention-to-treat analysis assumed baseline-carried-forwards. Secondary pre-registered analyses also focused on the full analytic sample and used alternatives including multiple imputation and last observation carried forwards. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN64052601. Findings Between 07/13/2020 and 03/29/2022, 5602 people were randomly assigned to the Drink Less app (n = 2788) or comparator (n = 2814) groups. Six-month follow-up rates were 79% and 80%, respectively. The primary pre-registered conservative intention-to-treat approach assuming non-responders were drinking at baseline levels of consumption, found a non-significant greater reduction of 0.98 units in weekly alcohol consumption in the intervention group at 6-month follow-up (95% CI -2.67 to 0.70). The data were insensitive to detect the hypothesised effect (Bayes factor = 1.17). Data were not missing completely at random, with 6-month follow-up rates differing in terms of education, occupation, and income. We therefore conducted the pre-registered sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation, showing that the Drink Less app resulted in a 2.00-unit greater weekly reduction at 6-month follow-up compared with the NHS alcohol advice webpage (95% CI -3.76 to -0.24). Fewer than 0.1% of participants in both arms who responded to one, three or six-month follow-up reported adverse events linked to participation in the trial. Interpretation The Drink Less app may be effective in reducing the alcohol consumption in increasing-and-higher-risk drinkers motivated to reduce their consumption. Funding NIHR Public Health Research Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Oldham
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Emma Beard
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Gemma Loebenberg
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Larisa Dinu
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Colin Angus
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robyn Burton
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Felix Greaves
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), London, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Eileen Kaner
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marcus Munafò
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Elena Pizzo
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Claire Garnett
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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McKay F, Chan L, Cerio R, Rickards S, Hastings P, Reakes K, O'Brien T, Dunn M. Assessing the Quality and Behavior Change Potential of Vaping Cessation Apps: Systematic Search and Assessment. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e55177. [PMID: 38532616 PMCID: PMC11004626 DOI: 10.2196/55177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of people are using vapes (e-cigarettes), and with growing evidence of associated harms, there is a need for acceptable cessation support and interventions. Smartphone apps for health and well-being have increased in popularity and use. Limited published literature assesses the potential of apps to support vaping cessation. Objective A systematic search of vaping cessation apps currently available in Australia for iOS and Android platforms was conducted. Apps were assessed against established health app assessment tools for quality and behavior change potential. Methods A systematic search through the Australian Apple iTunes and Google Play stores was conducted using the search terms "vape"; "vaping"; "e-cigarette"; and "cessation," "quit," or "quitting" in May 2023. Only apps that encouraged the cessation of vaping were included. App descriptions were reviewed to determine if they were relevant for inclusion in this study, and relevant apps were downloaded onto the appropriate mobile device for review. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to rate the quality (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information) of the apps using an overall score out of 5. The App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS) was used to assess the behavior change potential of each app using a score out of 21. Results An initial search of the app stores yielded 220 Android apps and 124 iOS apps. Screening against the inclusion criteria left 20 iOS apps and 10 Android apps for review. Six apps were available on both operating systems, and these were downloaded, reviewed, and reported separately for each operating system. The average MARS score for all apps assessed in this review was 3.1 (SD 0.41) out of 5. The reviewed apps overall performed well for the MARS elements relating to functionality, such as ease of use and navigation, but had the lowest scores for information-related elements, such as credibility. The number of ABACUS behavior change features per app ranged from 0 to 19 out of 21, with a mean of 8.9 (SD 4.51). The apps commonly included information-related features, such as requesting baseline information. The least common behavior change features were those relating to goal-setting, such as asking about the user's willingness for behavior change and providing feedback on current actions in comparison to future goals. Conclusions The identified vaping cessation apps had moderate levels of quality and some behavior change components. Future vaping cessation apps could benefit from including more features that are known to support behavior change, such as goal-setting, to improve the potential benefit of these apps to support people to stop vaping. As guidelines for vaping cessation continue to be established, future apps need to reference these in their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona McKay
- Instutite for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilian Chan
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Cerio
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Rickards
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hastings
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Reakes
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey O'Brien
- Cancer Institute of New South Wales, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- Instutite for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Lee H, Choi EH, Shin JU, Kim TG, Oh J, Shin B, Sim JY, Shin J, Kim M. The Impact of Intervention Design on User Engagement in Digital Therapeutics Research: Factorial Experiment With a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51225. [PMID: 38335015 PMCID: PMC10891489 DOI: 10.2196/51225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND User engagement is crucial for digital therapeutics (DTx) effectiveness; due to variations in the conceptualization of engagement and intervention design, assessment and retention of engagement remain challenging. OBJECTIVE We investigated the influence of the perceived acceptability of experimental intervention components and satisfaction with core intervention components in DTx on user engagement, while also identifying potential barriers and facilitators to user engagement. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study with a 2 × 2 factorial design, involving 12 outpatients with atopic dermatitis. Participants were randomized into 4 experimental groups based on push notification ("basic" or "advanced") and human coach ("on" or "off") experimental intervention components. All participants engaged in self-monitoring and learning courses as core intervention components within an app-based intervention over 8 weeks. Data were collected through in-app behavioral data, physician- and self-reported questionnaires, and semistructured interviews assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to evaluate user engagement, perceived acceptability of experimental intervention components (ie, push notification and human coach), satisfaction with core intervention components (ie, self-monitoring and learning courses), and intervention effectiveness through clinical outcomes. RESULTS The primary outcome indicated that group 4, provided with "advanced-level push notifications" and a "human coach," showed higher completion rates for self-monitoring forms and learning courses compared to the predetermined threshold of clinical significance. Qualitative data analysis revealed three key themes: (1) perceived acceptability of the experimental intervention components, (2) satisfaction with the core intervention components, and (3) suggestions for improvement in the overall intervention program. Regarding clinical outcomes, the Perceived Stress Scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores presented the highest improvement in group 4. CONCLUSIONS These findings will help refine the intervention and inform the design of a subsequent randomized trial to test its effectiveness. Furthermore, this design may serve as a model for broadly examining and optimizing overall engagement in DTx and for future investigation into the complex relationship between engagement and clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Research Information Service KCT0007675; http://tinyurl.com/2m8rjrmv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyerim Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung Ho Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung U Shin
- Department of Dermatology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gyun Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jooyoung Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyoung Shin
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Sim
- Department of Medical Device Engineering and Management, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeyong Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meelim Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- The Design Lab, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Center for Wireless & Population Health Systems, Calit2's Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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White KM, Carr E, Leightley D, Matcham F, Conde P, Ranjan Y, Simblett S, Dawe-Lane E, Williams L, Henderson C, Hotopf M. Engagement With a Remote Symptom-Tracking Platform Among Participants With Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e44214. [PMID: 38241070 PMCID: PMC10837755 DOI: 10.2196/44214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiparametric remote measurement technologies (RMTs), which comprise smartphones and wearable devices, have the potential to revolutionize understanding of the etiology and trajectory of major depressive disorder (MDD). Engagement with RMTs in MDD research is of the utmost importance for the validity of predictive analytical methods and long-term use and can be conceptualized as both objective engagement (data availability) and subjective engagement (system usability and experiential factors). Positioning the design of user interfaces within the theoretical framework of the Behavior Change Wheel can help maximize effectiveness. In-app components containing information from credible sources, visual feedback, and access to support provide an opportunity to promote engagement with RMTs while minimizing team resources. Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard in quantifying the effects of in-app components on engagement with RMTs in patients with MDD. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate whether a multiparametric RMT system with theoretically informed notifications, visual progress tracking, and access to research team contact details could promote engagement with remote symptom tracking over and above the system as usual. We hypothesized that participants using the adapted app (intervention group) would have higher engagement in symptom monitoring, as measured by objective and subjective engagement. METHODS A 2-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (participant-blinded) with 1:1 randomization was conducted with 100 participants with MDD over 12 weeks. Participants in both arms used the RADAR-base system, comprising a smartphone app for weekly symptom assessments and a wearable Fitbit device for continuous passive tracking. Participants in the intervention arm (n=50, 50%) also had access to additional in-app components. The primary outcome was objective engagement, measured as the percentage of weekly questionnaires completed during follow-up. The secondary outcomes measured subjective engagement (system engagement, system usability, and emotional self-awareness). RESULTS The levels of completion of the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) were similar between the control (67/97, 69%) and intervention (66/97, 68%) arms (P value for the difference between the arms=.83, 95% CI -9.32 to 11.65). The intervention group participants reported slightly higher user engagement (1.93, 95% CI -1.91 to 5.78), emotional self-awareness (1.13, 95% CI -2.93 to 5.19), and system usability (2.29, 95% CI -5.93 to 10.52) scores than the control group participants at follow-up; however, all CIs were wide and included 0. Process evaluation suggested that participants saw the in-app components as helpful in increasing task completion. CONCLUSIONS The adapted system did not increase objective or subjective engagement in remote symptom tracking in our research cohort. This study provides an important foundation for understanding engagement with RMTs for research and the methodologies by which this work can be replicated in both community and clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04972474; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04972474. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/32653.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M White
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Carr
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faith Matcham
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Conde
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yatharth Ranjan
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Simblett
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Dawe-Lane
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Williams
- NIHR MindTech MedTech Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Henderson
- Health Services & Population Research Department, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Williamson G, Carr E, Fear NT, Dymond S, King K, Simms A, Goodwin L, Murphy D, Leightley D. Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Women in the UK Armed Forces Who Consume Alcohol at a Hazardous or Harmful Level: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51531. [PMID: 38113103 PMCID: PMC10762616 DOI: 10.2196/51531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is common in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), with prevalence significantly higher than in the general population. To date, digital health initiatives to support alcohol misuse have focused on male individuals, who represent approximately 89% of the UKAF. However, female veterans drink disproportionally more than female members of the public. OBJECTIVE This 2-arm participant-blinded (single-blinded) confirmatory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the efficacy of a brief alcohol intervention (DrinksRation) in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption between baseline and a 3-month follow-up (day 84) among women who have served in the UKAF. METHODS In this 2-arm single-blinded RCT, a smartphone app that includes interactive user-focused features tailored toward the needs of female veterans and designed to enhance participants' motivations to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume is compared with the UK Chief Medical Officer guidance on alcohol consumption. The trial will be conducted among women who have served at least 1 day of paid service in the UKAF. Recruitment, consent, and data collection will be carried out automatically through the DrinksRation app or the BeAlcoholSmart platform. The primary outcome is change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline (day 0) and the 3-month follow-up (day 84) measured using the Timeline Follow Back for alcohol consumption. The secondary outcome is the change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up between the control and intervention groups. The process evaluation measures include (1) app use and (2) usability ratings as measured by the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. RESULTS RCT recruitment will begin in January 2024 and last for 5 months. We aim to complete all data collection, including interviews, by May 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study will assess whether a smartphone app tailored to the needs of women who have served in the UKAF is efficacious in reducing self-reported alcohol consumption. If successful, the digital therapeutics platform could be used not only to support women who have served in the UKAF but also for other conditions and disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05970484; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05970484. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/51531.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Williamson
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Carr
- Biostatistics & Health Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Dymond
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kate King
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military General Practice, Defence Medical Services, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Combat Stress, Leatherhead, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Starbird LE, Gutkind S, Teixeira P, Murphy S, Aharonovich E, Zingman BS, Hasin D, Schackman BR. Economic Cost of the HealthCall Smartphone Intervention to Reduce Heavy Alcohol Drinking in Adults With HIV. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2023; 84:814-822. [PMID: 37449954 PMCID: PMC10765982 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.22-00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use among people living with HIV (PLWH) can reduce adherence and worsen health outcomes. We evaluated the economic cost of an effective smartphone application (HealthCall) to reduce drinking and improve antiretroviral adherence among heavy-drinking PLWH participating in a randomized trial. METHOD Participants were randomized to receive a brief drinking-reduction intervention, either (a) the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Clinician's Guide (CG-only, n = 37), (b) CG enhanced by HealthCall to monitor daily alcohol consumption (CG+HealthCall, n = 38), or (c) motivational interviewing delivered by a nonclinician enhanced by HealthCall (MI+HealthCall, n = 39). We used micro-costing techniques to evaluate start-up costs and incremental costs per participant incurred from the health care sector perspective in 2018 U.S. dollars. We also investigated potential cost offsets using participant-reported health care utilization. RESULTS Participants attended three intervention visits, and each visit cost on average $29 for CG-only, $32 for CG+HealthCall, and $15 for MI+HealthCall. The total intervention cost per participant was $94 for CG-only, $114 for CG+HealthCall, and $57 for MI+HealthCall; the incremental cost of CG+HealthCall compared with CG-only was $20 per participant, and the incremental savings of MI+HealthCall compared with CG-only was $37 per participant. No significant differences in health care utilization occurred among the three groups over 12 months. CONCLUSIONS The cost of enhancing CG with the HealthCall application for heavy-drinking PLWH was modestly higher than using the CG alone, whereas MI enhanced with HealthCall delivered by a nonclinician had a lower cost than CG alone. HealthCall may be a low-cost enhancement to brief interventions addressing alcohol use and antiretroviral adherence among PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Starbird
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah Gutkind
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Paul Teixeira
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sean Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Barry S. Zingman
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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King K, Leightley D, Greenberg N, Fear N. The DrinksRation Smartphone App for Modifying Alcohol Use Behaviors in UK Military Service Personnel at Risk of Alcohol-Related Harm: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e49918. [PMID: 37831507 PMCID: PMC10612007 DOI: 10.2196/49918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of alcohol is synonymous with military populations, and studies have shown that serving personnel drink more than age- and sex-matched civilian populations. While ingrained in the military culture, excessive alcohol use is associated with increased rates of disciplinary issues, sickness absence, and loss of productivity, as well as contributing to a burden of acute and chronic health problems. Alcohol brief interventions can reduce alcohol use in civilian populations, but there is a paucity of evidence relating to the effectiveness of similar interventions in military populations. The DrinksRation smartphone app was designed to have a basis in behavior change technique theory and focuses on providing interactive behavioral prompts tailored to a military population. It has previously been shown to be effective in a help-seeking veteran population. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the Military DrinksRation randomized controlled trial study is to determine whether it is similarly effective in a serving military population. METHODS We compare the effectiveness of the DrinksRation smartphone app with treatment as usual for personnel identified at risk of alcohol-related harm using the Military DrinksRation study that is a 2-arm, single-blind, 1:1 randomized controlled trial of the UK Armed Forces population. It is hypothesized that the DrinksRation app will be more efficacious at reducing alcohol consumption compared to treatment as usual. Recruitment will be predominantly from routine, periodic dental inspections all service personnel regularly undertake, supplemented by recruitment from military-targeted media messaging. The primary outcome is the change in alcohol units consumed per week between baseline and day 84, measured using the timeline follow-back method. Secondary outcome measures are a change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score, a change in the quality of life assessment, and a change in drinking motivations and app usability (intervention arm only) between baseline and day 84. A final data collection at 168 days will assess the persistence of any changes over a longer duration. RESULTS The study is expected to open in August 2023 and aims to enroll 728 participants to allow for a study sample size requirement of 218 per arm and a 40% attrition rate. It is expected to take up to 12 months to complete. The results will be published in 2024. CONCLUSIONS The Military DrinksRation study will assess the efficacy of the smartphone app on changing alcohol use behaviors in service personnel. If a positive effect is shown, the UK Defence Medical Services would have an effective, evidence-based tool to use as part of an alcohol management clinical pathway, thereby providing better support for military personnel at risk of harm from alcohol drinking. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry 42646;. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14977034. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/49918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate King
- Academic Department of Military General Practice, Research & Clinical Innovation, Defence Medical Services, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Greenberg
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Parkes S, Croak B, Brooks SK, Stevelink SAM, Leightley D, Fear NT, Rafferty L, Greenberg N. Evaluating a Smartphone App (MeT4VeT) to Support the Mental Health of UK Armed Forces Veterans: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e46508. [PMID: 37639295 PMCID: PMC10495851 DOI: 10.2196/46508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research demonstrates that less than 50% of military veterans experiencing mental health difficulties seek formal support. Veterans often struggle to identify problems as mental health difficulties. In addition, they may fail to recognize the need for support before reaching a crisis point and face difficulties navigating care pathways to access support. OBJECTIVE A feasibility trial was conducted to assess a novel digital smartphone app (Mental Health Toolkit for Veterans Project [MeT4VeT]) for UK Armed Forces (UKAF) veterans experiencing mental health difficulties. The trial aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures for a later randomized controlled trial (RCT) and to assess the acceptability of the MeT4VeT app. METHODS Participants were recruited at UK military medical centers, by advertising on social media, and through veteran third-sector organizations between February and November 2021, and assessed for eligibility (male, owned a smartphone, served at least 2 years in the UKAF, left the UKAF within the last 2 years, not undertaking formal mental health treatment). Eligible participants were assigned, on a 1:1 ratio, to either the intervention group (full app) or a control group (noninteractive app with signposting information). Three key objectives were determined a priori to assess the practicality of running an RCT including an assessment of recruitment and retention, evaluation of the technical app delivery and measurement processes, and acceptability and usability of the intervention. RESULTS In total, 791 individuals completed the participant information sheet, of which 261 (33%) were ineligible, 377 (48%) declined or were unable to be contacted for consent, and 103 (13%) did not download the app or complete the baseline measures. Of this, 50 participants completed baseline measures and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=24) or the control group (n=26). The trial was effective at enabling both the technical delivery of the intervention and collection of outcome measures, with improvements in mental health demonstrated for the intervention group from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Recruitment and retention challenges were highlighted with only 50 out of the 530 eligible participants enrolled in the trial. The acceptability and usability of the MeT4VeT app were generally supported, and it was reported to be a useful, accessible way for veterans to monitor and manage their mental health. CONCLUSIONS The results highlighted that further work is needed to refine recruitment processes and maintain engagement with the app. Following this, an RCT can be considered to robustly assess the ability of the app to positively affect mental health outcomes indicated within this trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05993676; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05993676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Parkes
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Croak
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha K Brooks
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon A M Stevelink
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Rafferty
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Greenberg
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Leightley D, Murphy D. Personalised digital technology for mental health in the armed forces: the potential, the hype and the dangers. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:81-83. [PMID: 36455986 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a digital technology revolution which included widespread use in remote healthcare settings, remote working and use of technology to support friends and family to stay in touch. The armed forces have also increased its use of digital technology, but not at the same rate, and it is important that they do not fall behind in the revolution. One area where digital technology could be helpful is the treatment and management of mental health conditions. In a civilian setting, digital technology adoption has been found to be acceptable and feasible yet there is little use in the armed forces. In this personal view, we explore the potential use of personalised digital technology for mental health, the hype surrounding it and the dangers.This paper forms part of the special issue of BMJ Military Health dedicated to personalised digital technology for mental health in the armed forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Murphy
- Research Department, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
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12
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Davis CN, O’Neill SE. Treatment of Alcohol Use Problems Among Rural Populations: a Review of Barriers and Considerations for Increasing Access to Quality Care. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022; 9:432-444. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00454-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Kruse CS, Betancourt JA, Madrid S, Lindsey CW, Wall V. Leveraging mHealth and Wearable Sensors to Manage Alcohol Use Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091672. [PMID: 36141283 PMCID: PMC9498895 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition prevalent in many countries around the world, and the public burden of its treatment is close to $130 billion. mHealth offers several possible interventions to assist in the treatment of AUD. Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of mHealth and wearable sensors to manage AUD from evidence published over the last 10 years. Methods: Following the Kruse Protocol and PRISMA 2020, four databases were queried (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Science Direct) to identify studies with strong methodologies (n = 25). Results: Five interventions were identified, and 20/25 were effective at reducing alcohol consumption. Other interventions reported a decrease in depression and an increase in medication compliance. Primary barriers to the adoption of mHealth interventions are a requirement to train users, some are equally as effective as the traditional means of treatment, cost, and computer literacy. Conclusion: While not all mHealth interventions demonstrated statistically significant reduction in alcohol consumption, most are still clinically effective to treat AUD and provide a patient with their preference of a technologically inclined treatment Most interventions require training of users and some technology literacy, the barriers identified were very few compared with the litany of positive results.
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