Evaluation of saywhen: an internet-delivered brief intervention targeting high-risk drinking in Australian adults
Date
2013
Authors
Connolly, S.J.
Kavanagh, D.
Quek, L.H.
Buckley, L.
White, A.
Stallman, H.
Drennan, J.
Young, R.M.C.D.
Rich, J.
Reid, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Type:
Conference item
Citation
Drug and Alcohol Review, 2013, vol.32, iss.1, pp.30-31
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013 (24 Nov 2013 - 27 Nov 2013 : Brisbane, Australia)
Abstract
Introduction and Aims: An estimated 11% of Australian adults consume alcohol at high-risk levels (>4 standard drinks/occasion) at least weekly. This problem is especially prevalent in younger adulthood, with 29% of 18–19 year olds and 20% of 20–29 year olds drinking high-risk amounts at least weekly. Despite the risks and associated harms, the majority of alcohol misusers do not seek help. Brief interventions incorporating normative feedback and brief advice are effective, and the Internet offers an opportunity to deliver these at low cost and with wide reach. SayWhen is Australia's first open-access, computerised brief intervention targeting high-risk drinking in the Australian population.
Design and Methods: Visitors to SayWhen were invited to participate in an uncontrolled evaluation study. Interviews at baseline, one, two and three months assessed alcohol use, associated problems and self-efficacy. Participants engaged in self-guided use of the online program for three months.
Results: A total of 126 participants were recruited into the study. Significant reductions were observed in average weekly alcohol consumption, maximum drinks per occasion, number of high-risk drinking days and alcohol-related problems. Self-efficacy to control drinking significantly increased after exposure to the program. Use of the program's online self-monitoring tool was associated with greater reductions in drinks consumed per occasion.
Discussion and Conclusions: Exposure to online information and brief advice with monitoring resulted in significant reductions in alcohol use and associated problems, as well as improvements in drink refusal self-efficacy. These results support the effectiveness of Internet programs to address alcohol misuse in the population.
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Copyright 2013 Wiley-Blackwell