Reducing Student Alcohol Intake with Web-Based Feedback
Author Information
Author(s): Andersson, Gerhard, Berman, Anne, Blankers, Matthijs, Bewick, Bridgette M, West, Robert, Gill, Jan, O'May, Fiona, Mulhern, Brendan, Barkham, Michael, Hill, Andrew J
Primary Institution: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds
Hypothesis
The presentation of electronic personalized feedback and social norms information would reduce alcohol intake regardless of when during the academic year the intervention was available.
Conclusion
Delivering an electronic personalized feedback intervention to students via the Internet can be effective in reducing weekly alcohol consumption.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants who completed at least 2 assessments reduced their drinking.
- Monitoring alone was likely to reduce weekly consumption over 24 weeks.
- Being assigned to an intervention arm increased the odds of reduced consumption.
Takeaway
This study shows that using a website to give students feedback about their drinking can help them drink less alcohol.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to control or intervention arms and completed assessments over 24 weeks, including a drinking diary and the AUDIT.
Potential Biases
Males had higher odds of not completing assessments, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
Only 26% of participants completed all assessments, and the long-term impact of the intervention is uncertain.
Participant Demographics
73% female, mean age 21.45 years, 95% undergraduate, 92% white/white British.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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