Reducing alcohol use among 9th grade students: 6 month outcomes of a brief, Web-based intervention

Abstract

This study tested a brief, Web-based personalized feedback program aimed at reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among 9th grade students (N=513). Results indicated no differences between the control group and intervention group on either frequency of drinking or alcohol-related consequences at the 6-month follow-up. Reductions in alcohol use and the associated consequences found at the 3-month follow-up were not sustained across the academic year. Results indicate that brief, Web-based feedback programs may not be sufficient to provide a sustained impact on alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences over time, suggesting either booster sessions or adjunctive interventions, such as parent-based interventions, may be warranted for this age group.

Keywords: Alcohol; High school; Personalized feedback; Web-based.