Web-based Ultra-brief Intervention for Heavy Drinkers Trial

Web-based Ultra-brief Intervention for Heavy Drinkers - a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Personalized Normative Feedback With Self-help Material

The purpose of the study is to determine whether a web-based ultra-brief intervention, consisting of personalized normative feedback or standardized self-help material, is effective in lowering self reported alcohol use in heavy drinkers.

Background and purpose: The Danish national board of Health has awarded funds for two studies that will test methods that can be used for effective and early detection of heavy drinkers. The study will be carried out in 12 Danish municipalities in 2008. The study is part of the 'Diet, Smoking, Alcohol and Exercise' nationwide health study of the Danish population. It takes place in 13 municipalities in 2007 and 2008. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a web-based ultra-brief intervention, consisting of personalized normative feedback or standardized self-help material, is effective in lowering self reported alcohol use in heavy drinkers. Design: The experiment is designed as a randomized controlled trial, where heavy drinkers will be allocated to either: A) an intervention group receiving web-based personalized normative feedback (PFI) B) an intervention group receiving web-based self-help material (SHM) C) a control group receiving nothing. After 6 and 12 months there will be follow-up and the participants will receive a questionnaire with questions about their alcohol consumption (internetbased and paper).

Heavy drinking, Ultra-brief intervention, Brief intervention, Alcohol prevention, Randomized trial, Personal normative feedback, Self-help material, Web-based, Intervention Studies, prevention & control

Personalized normative feedback (PFI). The PFI was a single-session intervention; it was displayed in a single screenshot and addressed the participant by name. It consisted of a summary of the participant's weekly consumption, a comparison with maximum drinking limits and a graphical comparison of the participant's consumption to the average level in the municipality (gender-specific), followed by information about health and social risks of heavy drinking as well as links for further self-help material and a local alcohol treatment facility.

Self-help material (SHM). The SHM was a single-session intervention and was displayed in a single screenshot. It consisted of information about maximum drinking limits, followed by information about health and social risks of heavy drinking as well as links for further standardized self-help material and a local alcohol treatment facility.

The intervention can be classified as a minimal ultra-brief intervention consisting of only a single session. The brief personalised normative feedback will comprise the result of the participant's amount of alcohol consumption, previously given in an online questionnaire. Alongside, information about alcohol and how it might affect them at their current drinking levels is provided. The feedback is also comparing their drinking, in graphical format, to the average drinking in the municipality concerned. Contact details are also provided about local alcohol treatment possibilities if the participants feel they need further help.

The intervention can be classified as a minimal ultra-brief intervention consisting of only a single session. The intervention comprises of on-line self-help material informing about the participant's response from an online questionnaire shows that the participant's alcohol consumption exceeds the recommended limits. Alongside, information about alcohol and how it might affect them at their current drinking levels is provided. Contact details are also provided about local alcohol treatment possibilities if the participants feel they need further help.

Reduction of 15% in alcohol consumption with an average volume of approximately 38-41 grams alcohol per week in the PFI group . In the self-help material group we expect that 5 - 10% will reduce their consumption equivalent.

Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be invited to the Danish 'Diet, Smoking, Alcohol and Exercise' nationwide health study. Participants must have a weekly alcohol consumption above the recommended Danish limits (168 grams of alcohol for women, 252 grams of alcohol for men). Exclusion Criteria: Weekly alcohol consumption less than 168 grams of alcohol for women and 252 grams of alcohol for men. Participants who have not informed their email address.

Hansen AB, Becker U, Nielsen AS, Gronbaek M, Tolstrup JS, Thygesen LC. Internet-based brief personalized feedback intervention in a non-treatment-seeking population of adult heavy drinkers: a randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2012 Jul 30;14(4):e98. doi: 10.2196/jmir.1883.