NCJ Number
226443
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 31-39
Date Published
January 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study describes the process of development and implementation of an electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) for unhealthy alcohol use in a university student population.
Abstract
Results show that a universal screening approach is feasible and that a Web-based intervention developed in consultation with potential users, and with the support of administrators, is a viable means of accessing a large, high-risk population group. The study demonstrates the potential reach of a carefully implemented e-SBI in a high-risk, non-treatment-seeking population group. Key elements of the design included ease of access (via and emailed hyperlink), length (10 minutes), ease of use, repeated efforts to contact the target population via multiple modalities, clear nonjudgmental language, personalized normative feedback with information seen as relevant, and links to appropriated services. Data were collected from students using Tertiary Health Research Intervention Via Email (THRIVE). A total of 7,237 students completed the screening; 2,435 screened positive for unhealthy drinking; 1,251 were randomly assigned to receive the intervention; and 1,184 served as controls. In total, 99 percent of participants found THRIVE easy to complete, 76 percent said it provided personally relevant information, and 55 percent said they would recommend it to a friend with a drinking problem, while 30 percent sought additional information on support services through the site. Figures, table, and references