Can Brief Email Guidance Enhance the Effects of an Internet Intervention for People with Problematic Alcohol Use? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Some research suggests that internet interventions aimed at people with problematic alcohol use are more effective when provided with guidance from a therapist or coach. Purpose/Objectives: This trial intended to compare the effects of a previously evaluated internet intervention for people with pro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Substance use & misuse 2020, Vol.55 (12), p.2011-2019
Main Authors: Sundström, C., Schell, C., Wardell, J. D., Godinho, A., Cunningham, J. A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohol
Alcohol use
Audits
Clinical trials
cognitive behavior therapy
Drinking behavior
Drinks
Email
guidance
Health problems
Internet access
internet interventions
Intervention
Intoxication
Medicin och hälsovetenskap
Online advertising
Problem drinkers
Quality of life
randomized controlled trial
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Summary:Some research suggests that internet interventions aimed at people with problematic alcohol use are more effective when provided with guidance from a therapist or coach. Purpose/Objectives: This trial intended to compare the effects of a previously evaluated internet intervention for people with problematic alcohol use when delivered with or without brief email guidance. Methods: Using online advertising, 238 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive access to the Internet intervention Alcohol Help Center with or without brief email guidance from a health educator. The guidance consisted of at least four structured, slightly individualized emails delivered during the first two weeks after randomization. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results: Number of log-ins did not differ significantly between groups throughout the follow-up period. The follow-up rate at 6 months was 47.0%. Generalized estimating equations run on the primary (standard drinks in preceding week/heavy drinking days in preceding week) and secondary outcome variables (AUDIT, AUDIT-C, quality of life) revealed no significant differences between the interventions on any of the outcomes. Conclusions/Importance: The study does not provide support for any added benefits of providing brief guidance via email in an internet intervention for problem drinkers.
ISSN:1082-6084
1532-2491
1532-2491
DOI:10.1080/10826084.2020.1788087