scholarly journals Alcohol Avoidance Training as a Mobile App for Problem Drinkers: Longitudinal Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa C Laurens ◽  
Marcel E Pieterse ◽  
Marjolein Brusse-Keizer ◽  
Elske Salemink ◽  
Somaya Ben Allouch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Avoidance Training ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
The Body ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Problem Drinkers ◽  
Nonalcoholic Beverages

BACKGROUND Alcohol use is associated with an automatic tendency to approach alcohol, and the retraining of this tendency (cognitive bias modification [CBM]) shows therapeutic promise in clinical settings. To improve access to training and to enhance participant engagement, a mobile version of alcohol avoidance training was developed. OBJECTIVE The aims of this pilot study were to assess (1) adherence to a mobile health (mHealth) app; (2) changes in weekly alcohol use from before to after training; and (3) user experience with regard to the mHealth app. METHODS A self-selected nonclinical sample of 1082 participants, who were experiencing problems associated with alcohol, signed up to use the alcohol avoidance training app Breindebaas for 3 weeks with at least two training sessions per week. In each training session, 100 pictures (50 of alcoholic beverages and 50 of nonalcoholic beverages) were presented consecutively in a random order at the center of a touchscreen. Alcoholic beverages were swiped upward (away from the body), whereas nonalcoholic beverages were swiped downward (toward the body). During approach responses, the picture size increased to mimic an approach movement, and conversely, during avoidance responses, the picture size decreased to mimic avoidance. At baseline, we assessed sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, use of other substances, self-efficacy, and craving. After 3 weeks, 37.89% (410/1082) of the participants (posttest responders) completed an online questionnaire evaluating adherence, alcohol consumption, and user satisfaction. Three months later, 19.03% (206/1082) of the participants (follow-up responders) filled in a follow-up questionnaire examining adherence and alcohol consumption. RESULTS The 410 posttest responders were older, were more commonly female, and had a higher education as compared with posttest dropouts. Among those who completed the study, 79.0% (324/410) were considered adherent as they completed four or more sessions, whereas 58.0% (238/410) performed the advised six or more training sessions. The study identified a significant reduction in alcohol consumption of 7.8 units per week after 3 weeks (95% CI 6.2-9.4, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; n=410) and another reduction of 6.2 units at 3 months for follow-up responders (95% CI 3.7-8.7, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; n=206). Posttest responders provided positive feedback regarding the fast-working, simple, and user-friendly design of the app. Almost half of the posttest responders reported gaining more control over their alcohol use. The repetitious and nonpersonalized nature of the intervention was suggested as a point for improvement. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to employ alcohol avoidance training in a mobile app for problem drinkers. Preliminary findings suggest that a mobile CBM app fulfils a need for problem drinkers and may contribute to a reduction in alcohol use. Replicating these findings in a controlled study is warranted.

scholarly journals Alcohol Avoidance Training as a Mobile App for Problem Drinkers: Longitudinal Feasibility Study

10.2196/16217 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e16217
Author(s):  
Melissa C Laurens ◽  
Marcel E Pieterse ◽  
Marjolein Brusse-Keizer ◽  
Elske Salemink ◽  
Somaya Ben Allouch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Avoidance Training ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
The Body ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Problem Drinkers ◽  
Nonalcoholic Beverages

Background Alcohol use is associated with an automatic tendency to approach alcohol, and the retraining of this tendency (cognitive bias modification [CBM]) shows therapeutic promise in clinical settings. To improve access to training and to enhance participant engagement, a mobile version of alcohol avoidance training was developed. Objective The aims of this pilot study were to assess (1) adherence to a mobile health (mHealth) app; (2) changes in weekly alcohol use from before to after training; and (3) user experience with regard to the mHealth app. Methods A self-selected nonclinical sample of 1082 participants, who were experiencing problems associated with alcohol, signed up to use the alcohol avoidance training app Breindebaas for 3 weeks with at least two training sessions per week. In each training session, 100 pictures (50 of alcoholic beverages and 50 of nonalcoholic beverages) were presented consecutively in a random order at the center of a touchscreen. Alcoholic beverages were swiped upward (away from the body), whereas nonalcoholic beverages were swiped downward (toward the body). During approach responses, the picture size increased to mimic an approach movement, and conversely, during avoidance responses, the picture size decreased to mimic avoidance. At baseline, we assessed sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, use of other substances, self-efficacy, and craving. After 3 weeks, 37.89% (410/1082) of the participants (posttest responders) completed an online questionnaire evaluating adherence, alcohol consumption, and user satisfaction. Three months later, 19.03% (206/1082) of the participants (follow-up responders) filled in a follow-up questionnaire examining adherence and alcohol consumption. Results The 410 posttest responders were older, were more commonly female, and had a higher education as compared with posttest dropouts. Among those who completed the study, 79.0% (324/410) were considered adherent as they completed four or more sessions, whereas 58.0% (238/410) performed the advised six or more training sessions. The study identified a significant reduction in alcohol consumption of 7.8 units per week after 3 weeks (95% CI 6.2-9.4, P<.001; n=410) and another reduction of 6.2 units at 3 months for follow-up responders (95% CI 3.7-8.7, P<.001; n=206). Posttest responders provided positive feedback regarding the fast-working, simple, and user-friendly design of the app. Almost half of the posttest responders reported gaining more control over their alcohol use. The repetitious and nonpersonalized nature of the intervention was suggested as a point for improvement. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to employ alcohol avoidance training in a mobile app for problem drinkers. Preliminary findings suggest that a mobile CBM app fulfils a need for problem drinkers and may contribute to a reduction in alcohol use. Replicating these findings in a controlled study is warranted.

scholarly journals Randomised controlled study of two counselling models at the Swedish alcohol helpline: Effectiveness and sustainability outcomes at 12-month follow-up

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252110078
Author(s):  
Thi-Thuy-Dung Nguyen ◽  
Eleonor Säfsten ◽  
Filip Andersson ◽  
Maria Rosaria Galanti
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Structured Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Level Reduction

Aim: This two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial explored the effectiveness of a brief counselling model compared with the usual multi-session counselling at an alcohol telephone helpline. Methods: A total of 320 callers who contacted the Swedish Alcohol Helpline (SAH) because of hazardous or harmful alcohol use were randomised to either brief structured intervention (self-help booklet plus one proactive call) or usual care (multi-session telephone counselling). The primary outcome was a downward shift in risk level at 12-month follow-up compared with baseline, based on self-reports. Sustained risk level reduction throughout the whole follow-up was also assessed as secondary outcome. Results: Both interventions were significantly associated with a shift to a lower level of risky alcohol use (75% among participants in the brief structured intervention, and 70% in the usual care group) after 12 months. There was no difference between the two interventions in the proportions changing alcohol use or sustaining risk level reduction. Conclusion: In the context of telephone helplines, minimal and extended interventions appear to be equally effective in promoting long-term change in alcohol use.

Effect of alcohol consumption on patient-reported outcomes in hip arthroscopy: a matched controlled study with minimum 2-year follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-468
Author(s):  
Ajay C Lall ◽  
Erwin Secretov ◽  
Muriel R Battaglia ◽  
David R Maldonado ◽  
Itay Perets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Heavy Drinkers ◽  
Outerbridge Grade

Introduction:There is a paucity of literature examining the effects of alcohol consumption on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to report 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients who consume alcohol compared to patients who abstain.Methods:Registry data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed to identify heavy drinkers at the time of primary hip arthroscopy. Patients were matched 1:1 (heavy drinkers:non-drinkers) based on age, sex, BMI, acetabular Outerbridge grade, and capsular treatment. All patients were assessed with 4 validated PROs: mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, and iHOT-12. Pain was estimated with VAS.Results:42 patients were pair matched in each group (heavy drinkers:non-drinkers). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement for all PROs and VAS. Heavy drinkers reported lesser improvement in HOS-SSS ( p = 0.0169), smaller decrease in VAS ( p = 0.0157), and lower final scores on iHOT-12 ( p = 0.0302), SF-12 mental ( p = 0.0086), and VR-12 mental ( p = 0.0151). Significantly fewer patients in the heavy-drinking group reached PASS for mHHS ( p = 0.0464). Odds of achieving PASS for mHHS was 2.5 times higher for patients who abstain from alcohol. The rates of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty were not statistically different between groups.Conclusion:While hip arthroscopy may still yield clinical benefit in drinkers, patients who consume heavy amounts of alcohol may ultimately achieve an inferior functional status and should be counselled on drinking cessation to optimise their results.

Latent Profile Analysis of Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Attitudes Among College Women: Associations With Sexual Victimization Risk

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1279-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Yeater ◽  
Katie Witkiewitz ◽  
Gabriela López ◽  
Ryan S. Ross ◽  
Kristen Vitek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
High Alcohol ◽  
Victimization Risk ◽  
Alcohol Medium ◽  
Low Alcohol ◽  
Latent Profile

This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify at-risk profiles of college freshman women ( n = 481) using self-reports of alcohol consumption and sociosexuality. Analyses resulted in three profiles labeled low alcohol use–low sociosexuality, high alcohol use–medium sociosexuality, and high alcohol use–high sociosexuality. Baseline victimization predicted latent profile membership. More severely victimized women were more likely to be in the high alcohol–high sociosexuality profile than the high alcohol–medium sociosexuality and low alcohol–low sociosexuality profiles. At follow-up, the high alcohol–high sociosexuality profile had higher mean levels of victimization severity, relative to those in the high alcohol–medium sociosexuality and low alcohol–low sociosexuality profiles.

Controlled Prospective Fifteen Year Follow-Up of Hyperactives as Adults: Non-Medical Drug and Alcohol Use and Anti-Social Behaviour

1986 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 557-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily Hechtman ◽  
Gabrielle Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Antisocial Behaviour ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Small Subgroup ◽  
Drug And Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
Medical Drug

This is a fifteen year prospective controlled study of the non-medical drug and alcohol use and antisocial behaviour of 61 hyperactives, and 41 matched control subjects, (mean age 25 years). The data was collected from detailed interviews with the subjects as well as computerized court records to verify subjects reports. Generally hyperactives did not differ significantly from controls on current drug and alcohol use and antisocial behaviour. However one sees trends of greater drug alcohol and antisocial involvement in the hyperactive group. All the subjects who have antisocial behaviour at 15 year follow-up (mean age 25) had early and persistent histories of antisocial behaviour beginning at initial assessment (mean age 8) or at 5 year follow-up (mean age 13). However many hyperactives do not continue their antisocial behaviour into adulthood (mean age 25). There thus appears to be a small subgroup of hyperactive subjects who have more negative outcomes with significantly greater social, emotional and psychological difficulties. It is this subgroup which we need to identify early and treat vigorously.

Gender Differences in the Association Between Alcohol Use and Sedentary Behavior Among Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1576-1581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Agrawal ◽  
Andrew Mercer ◽  
Jamila Hassanali ◽  
Chakema Carmack ◽  
Darleesa Doss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Sedentary Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Purpose: We examined differences in the association between alcohol use and sedentary behavior by gender among adults. Design: Cross-sectional study that employs a complex, multistage stratified probability cluster sample design. Setting: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007 to 2014. Participants: NHANES participants aged ≥20 years and identifying as Hispanic, white, or black (N = 18 441). Measures: Demographic characteristics, sedentary behavior, and alcohol consumption. Sedentary behavior was measured based on the number of minutes of sedentary activity per week. Alcohol consumption in the last year was measured based on responses to items assessing whether the participant consumes alcoholic beverages and the number of alcoholic beverages consumed on average. Analysis: Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate associations of alcohol use with categories of sedentary behavior by gender. Results: Compared to women who reported not consuming alcohol, women who were heavy drinkers were significantly more likely to engage in high sedentary activity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.87), relative to low levels of sedentary activity. Similarly, women who were binge drinkers were more likely to engage in moderate levels of sedentary activity (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.85). There were no significant associations between alcohol use and sedentary activity among men. Conclusion: Findings suggest that alcohol consumption should be considered in health promotion efforts targeting sedentary behavior among women.

scholarly journals Effect of differently worded messages about alcohol on intent to breastfeed among university women in South Korea

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-39
Author(s):  
Ted H Greiner ◽  
Igor Z Zubrzycki ◽  
Boseul Jegal ◽  
Sang-Sun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
The Body ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
University Women ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Intention To Breastfeed

Background: There is concern that advice not to drink alcohol could discourage the initiation and particularly shorten the duration of breastfeeding. However, little research has explored the impact of variously worded messages about drinking while breastfeeding on women’s intentions to drink or to breastfeed. Methods: We haphazardly allocated a convenience sample of nulliparous (>95%) Korean female university students to be exposed to three differently worded messages on alcohol use during breastfeeding in the body of a questionnaire. Translated to English, they were as follows: Liberal: “Breastfeeding is compatible with moderate but not heavy drinking of alcohol.” Moderate: “You can use alcohol while breastfeeding, but only on rare occasions and only 1-2 drinks at a time. Too much alcohol can harm the breastfeeding process. After each drink, you should wait 2 hours before breastfeeding to keep the child from being affected.” Strict: “You should never use alcohol while you are breastfeeding.” Results: Most of the 280 valid responses expressed an intention to breastfeed. Over 90% of sampled women drank alcohol currently; 91% of them intended to reduce consumption during breastfeeding. How strictly messages were worded did not affect intention to drink during breastfeeding. Neither strict nor liberal messages reduced intention to drink alcohol while breastfeeding. The strict message clearly told the students what to do, whereas the moderate and liberal messages left choices up to them. Receiving these messages that required women to decide for themselves reduced the women’s intention to breastfeed (p<0.001). Conclusions: In this sample of largely nulliparous university women, a more strictly worded message regarding alcohol use during breastfeeding did not reduce breastfeeding intentions. Messages that left decisions up to the women did. The risk of harm associated with alcohol consumption during breastfeeding should we weighed against the risk that raising concerns about alcohol consumption might reduce the initiation or duration of breastfeeding. Research is needed to test such messages in different cultures and to follow up after delivery to see if indeed expressed intent correlates with actual practices. Until then, messages regarding breastfeeding and alcohol are likely to continue to be based only on the unexamined assumptions as to whether cautions about alcohol will affect women’s breastfeeding practices.

scholarly journals The impact of relaxed traveller allowances

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-287
Author(s):  
Martin Stafström
Keyword(s):  
Panel Data ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
General Population ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Heavy Alcohol ◽  
Private Person ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Heavy Alcohol Use

Aim: To analyse to what extent the gradual relaxation of traveller allowances for alcoholic beverages 2001–2004 changed consumer behaviours and subsequent alcohol consumption patterns within a longitudinal panel data population study in Southern Sweden. Methods: General population random sample panel data study with repeated measurements were collected in 1999, in 2005, and in 2010 in the county of Scania. The study analyses answers from 9770 individuals, who in 1999 were 18–80 years old. A fixed-effects modelling was applied to assess the association between consumer behaviour and change in alcohol use across the study period. Results: Cross-border shopping for alcoholic beverages was associated, on average, with a 3.1% ( p < 0.001) increase in alcohol use. Buying imported alcohol from a private person was associated with a mean increase of 2.6% ( p < 0.001), with a total additive effect of 5.7%. Furthermore, when stratified for gender, age, and location, significant fixed effects were found. The magnitude was greater among women, younger and older ages, and in particular in the Northeast and Central regions. Both consumer behaviours – cross-border trading ( OR 1.6, CI 95% 1.28–1.92) and buying alcohol from a private person ( OR 1.4, CI 95% 1.12–1.73) – were significantly associated with heavy alcohol use. Conclusion: The fixed-effects analyses identified significant associations between consumer behaviours and alcohol consumption. The uptake of behaviours that developed because of a relaxation of the Swedish alcohol policy has contributed to an overall long-term increase in alcohol use and higher prevalence of heavy alcohol use within this general population study sample.

scholarly journals Changes in alcohol consumption after treatment for depression: a secondary analysis of the Swedish randomised controlled study REGASSA

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e028236
Author(s):  
Catharina Strid ◽  
Mats Hallgren ◽  
Yvonne Forsell ◽  
Martin Kraepelien ◽  
Agneta Öjehagen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hazardous Drinking ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Entire Group ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesMental health problems and hazardous alcohol consumption often co-exist. Hazardous drinking could have a negative impact on different aspects of health and also negatively influence the effect of mental health treatment. The aims of this study were to examine if alcohol consumption patterns changed after treatment for depression and if the changes differed by treatment arm and patient sex.MethodsThis study of 540 participants was conducted in a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aimed to compare the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, physical exercise and treatment as usual on 945 participants with mild-to-moderate depression. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks; alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)) and depression (Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)) were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Changes in alcohol consumption were examined in relation to depression severity, treatment arm and patient sex.ResultsThe AUDIT distribution for the entire group remained unchanged after treatment for depression. Hazardous drinkers exhibit decreases in AUDIT scores, although they remained hazardous drinkers according to the cut-off scores. Hazardous drinkers experienced similar improvements in symptoms of depression compared with non-hazardous drinkers, and there was no significant relation between changes in AUDIT score and changes in depression. No differences between treatment arm and patient sex were found.ConclusionThe alcohol consumption did not change, despite treatment effects on depression. Patients with depression should be screened for hazardous drinking habits and offered evidence-based treatment for hazardous alcohol use where this is indicated.Trial registration numberDRKS00008745.

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