Comparison between a cognitive behavioural alcohol programme and post-mailed minimal intervention in high-risk drinking university freshmen: results from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: Examine the effect of a 10 h intervention programme compared with post-mailed minimal intervention (PMMI) given to high-risk alcohol-drinking university freshmen in a random design.

Method: In total 693 freshmen at the Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University, Sweden were included in the study. A cognitive behavioural alcohol program (CBAP) or PMMI was given to high-risk drinking freshmen (n = 177) in a randomized design. A 10-item screening instrument, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), was used before and 1 year after the intervention programmes were given.

Results: There were no significant differences between the CBAP and the PMMI groups. Both groups declined their AUDIT scores with -1.7 [CI 95% -2.6, -0.7] and -2.7 [CI 95% -3.6, -1.7], respectively which could be explained by effects of regression to the mean.

Conclusion: No significant differences between the groups were found.