Plain English Summary
Background and study aims
Web-based tailored programs, in which information is adapted to the needs of the individual in order to give personally relevant advice, have shown to be an effective method to improve health-related behaviors. Yet, studies assessing the effects of tailored alcohol self-help programs among adults are limited.
Since Internet-based programs suffer from high drop-out rates, it is a challenge to develop interactive programs that can maintain respondents attention in online interventions. In order to prevent early drop-out, and thus to increase the effectiveness of a program, different strategies could be used to hold respondents attention in online interventions.
The main aim of this study was to assess whether a triple-session, web-based tailored alcohol intervention (program) was effective in reducing alcohol intake among the adult drinking population. The second aim was to compare two computer tailored feedback on behavioral change, drop-out and process evaluation.
Who can participate?
In our study, we recruited approximately 1,000 adults (18+) via an online access panel (called respondi AG) in Germany.
What does the study involve?
By using questionnaires, drinking behavior, health status (i.e., symptoms of depression and chronic diseases), motivational determinants (i.e., knowledge, attitude, social influence, self-efficacy, preparatory plans, coping plans and motivational stage), and demographics were assessed among participants who were recruited via an online access panel.
The first experimental subgroup received questions and advice alternately per motivational determinant resulting in several advice sections.
The second experimental subgroup received a more traditional feedback strategy, in which one large overall advice was provided at the end of the program.
The control group only filled out three questionnaires.
The personalized advice, which directly was presented on the respondents computer screen, consisted of five parts in which attention was given to different psychosocial constructs of the model:
1. Knowledge and awareness
2. Pros and cons of alcohol drinking
3. Social influence
4. Preparatory action plans
5. Self-efficacy and coping plans
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The main benefit was that participants received personal feedback regarding their drinking behavior and their cognitions (the process of thought) regarding alcohol consumption.
To our knowledge, there were no risks to those who have taken part in this study.
Where is the study run from?
The study was set up by Maastricht University. The program development and data analysis took place at Maastricht University. Data collection was done in collaboration with respondi AG Cologne.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study started in June 2010 and ran until January 2011.
Who is funding the study?
The study was funded by CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care.
Who is the main contact?
Hein de Vries, PhD
hein.devries@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Trial website
Contact information
Type
Scientific
Primary contact
Prof Hein De Vries
ORCID ID
Contact details
P. Debyeplein 1
Maastricht
6229HA
Netherlands
hein.devries@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Additional identifiers
EudraCT number
ClinicalTrials.gov number
Protocol/serial number
N/A
Study information
Scientific title
Testing the effectiveness of a web-based tailored intervention to reduce alcohol consumption by adults
Acronym
Study hypothesis
Our hypothesis is that a three-session, web-based tailored alcohol intervention is effective in reducing alcohol intake in unhealthy drinkers. Furthermore, we have the objective to compare two computer tailored feedback strategies (alternating versus summative) on behavioral change, drop-out and appreciation of the program.
Ethics approval
An ethics approval was not necessary since this is not a medical study.
Study design
Six-month single-centre randomized waiting-list controlled trial
Primary study design
Interventional
Secondary study design
Randomised controlled trial
Trial setting
Other
Trial type
Screening
Patient information sheet
Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Condition
Reducing alcohol consumption / high-risk drinking
Intervention
The intervention group was invited to visit a website consisting of questionnaires and personal feedback on drinking behavior and cognitions three times (at baseline, after three months, after six months).
We divided the experimental group in two subgroups: The intervention website for these two subgroups contained the same feedback messages. During all three feedback moments, one experimental subgroup received questions and personal advice alternately (alternate condition) whereas the other experimental subgroup obtained personal advice after answering all questions (summative condition).
The control group was invited to only fill out the three questionnaires online (at baseline, after three months, after six months). At the end of the study, the control group had the possibility to visit the website of the experimental group and thus to receive personal advice, too.
Intervention type
Other
Phase
Not Applicable
Drug names
Primary outcome measures
Difference in alcohol consumption (number of consumed alcoholic drinks / compliance with the alcohol guideline) between the experimental group and the control group after the intervention.
Secondary outcome measures
1. Difference in alcohol consumption (number of consumed alcoholic drinks / compliance with the alcohol guideline) between the two experimental subgroups after the intervention
2. Difference in drop-out rate from the intervention between the two experimental subgroups
3. Difference in process evaluation outcomes between the two experimental subgroups
Overall trial start date
07/06/2010
Overall trial end date
11/01/2011
Reason abandoned
Eligibility
Participant inclusion criteria
1. Being a member of the online access panel respondi AG Cologne
2. Having Internet access
3. Having command of the German language
4. Being at least 18 years old
Participant type
Patient
Age group
Adult
Gender
Both
Target number of participants
1,000
Participant exclusion criteria
Does not meet inclusion criteria
Recruitment start date
07/06/2010
Recruitment end date
11/01/2011
Locations
Countries of recruitment
Germany
Trial participating centre
P. Debyeplein 1
Maastricht
6229HA
Netherlands
Sponsor information
Organisation
CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care (Netherlands)
Sponsor details
Universiteitssingel 40
Maastricht
6229 ER
Netherlands
Sponsor type
University/education
Website
Funders
Funder type
University/education
Funder name
CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care (Netherlands)
Alternative name(s)
Funding Body Type
Funding Body Subtype
Location
Results and Publications
Publication and dissemination plan
Not provided at time of registration
Intention to publish date
Participant level data
Not provided at time of registration
Results - basic reporting
Publication summary
2013 results in: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24045005
Publication citations
-
Results
Schulz DN, Candel MJ, Kremers SP, Reinwand DA, Jander A, de Vries H, Effects of a Web-based tailored intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in adults: randomized controlled trial., J. Med. Internet Res., 2013, 15, 9, e206, doi: 10.2196/jmir.2568.