Web-Based Alcohol Intervention for Young Drinkers
Author Information
Author(s): Cuijpers Pim, Koeter Maarten van Straten, Annemieke Warmerdam, Lisanne Spijkerman, Renske Spijkerman, Marion A.E. Roek, Ad Vermulst, Lex Lemmers, Annemarie Huiberts, Rutger C.M.E. Engels
Primary Institution: Radboud University
Hypothesis
Is a Web-based brief alcohol intervention effective in reducing weekly drinking and encouraging moderate alcohol use in 15- to 20-year old youths?
Conclusion
The study showed that a Web-based brief alcohol intervention reduced weekly drinking among 15- to 20-year-old binge drinkers, particularly in males, but did not effectively encourage moderate drinking.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention without normative feedback reduced weekly drinking at 1 and 3 months follow-up.
- The intervention with normative feedback showed a significant reduction in weekly drinking at 1 month follow-up.
- Males showed a greater reduction in weekly drinking compared to females.
Takeaway
This study found that a special online program helped young people drink less alcohol, especially boys, but didn't help them drink in moderation.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial with 575 binge drinkers aged 15 to 20 assigned to one of three groups: an intervention with normative feedback, an intervention without normative feedback, or a control group.
Potential Biases
Potential response bias due to social desirability in self-reported alcohol consumption.
Limitations
High dropout rate (51.6%) and reliance on self-reported data may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 15 to 20, with a mean age of 18.1 years; 39.1% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
1.05 - 13.49
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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