Review of Online Alcohol Interventions
Author Information
Author(s): Andersson Gerhard, Bendtsen Preben, Rönnberg Sten, White Angela, Kavanagh David, Stallman Helen, Klein Britt, Kay-Lambkin Frances, Proudfoot Judy, Drennan Judy, Connor Jason, Baker Amanda, Hines Emily, Young Ross
Primary Institution: Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland
Hypothesis
What is the efficacy of online interventions for alcohol misuse?
Conclusion
Online alcohol interventions can benefit users, especially those less likely to access traditional services.
Supporting Evidence
- 12 out of 17 studies focused on university students.
- 70.6% of studies involved brief personalized feedback interventions.
- Effect sizes for alcohol units consumed ranged from 0.02 to 0.81.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well online programs help people with drinking problems. It found that many people can get better help online.
Methodology
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of online alcohol interventions published from 1998 onward.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the predominance of university student samples.
Limitations
Limited number of studies with effect sizes, heterogeneity of outcome measures, and a large proportion of student-based studies.
Participant Demographics
Most studies targeted university students, with a mean age of around 21 and a majority being female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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