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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018:52:2.
doi: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2018052000281. Epub 2018 Jan 18.

Effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons

[Article in Portuguese, English]
Yago C Baldin  1 , Adriana Sanudo  1 , Zila M Sanchez  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons

[Article in Portuguese, English]
Yago C Baldin et al. Rev Saude Publica. 2018.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons after six months. METHODS We carried out a website survey with probabilistic sample in 31 nightclubs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which originated a randomized controlled trial with 1,057 participants. Those classified as problem drinkers (n = 465) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were randomized into two study groups - intervention and control. The web-based intervention consisted of exposing the participants to a normative feedback screen about their alcohol consumption, characterizing the risks associated with amount consumed, money spent on drinks, drinking and driving, risk classification of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and tips to reduce damage. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in the practice of binge drinking in the week estimated at 38% among participants in the intervention group after six months (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant reduction in the outcomes when we analyzed the intervention and control groups and at baseline and after sixth months, simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS We cannot conclude that digital tools reduce the pattern of binge drinking among party goers in São Paulo. More studies are needed with this methodology because of its attractiveness to this type of group, given the privacy and speed that personalized information is transmitted.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, após seis meses, a efetividade de uma intervenção digital na diminuição da prática de binge drinking entre frequentadores de baladas.

MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um inquérito de portal através de uma amostra probabilística em 31 baladas da cidade de São Paulo, a qual originou um ensaio controlado randomizado com 1.057 participantes. Aqueles classificados como uso problemático do álcool (n = 465) através do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test foram randomizados em dois grupos de estudo – intervenção e controle. A intervenção digital consistiu em expor os participantes a uma tela de feedback normativo sobre seu consumo de álcool, caracterizando os riscos associados à quantidade consumida, valores gastos com bebidas, beber e dirigir, classificação do risco do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test e dicas de redução de danos.

RESULTADOS: Houve uma redução significativa da prática de binge drinking na semana estimada em 38% entre os participantes do grupo intervenção após seis meses (p < 0,05). Porém, não houve redução significativa nos desfechos quando se analisam os grupos intervenção e controle e os tempos início e seis meses após, simultaneamente.

CONCLUSÕES: Não se pode concluir que as ferramentas digitais reduzem o padrão de binge drinking nos frequentadores de baladas paulistanas. São necessários mais estudos com esta metodologia devido ao caráter atrativo para esse grupo, tendo em vista a privacidade e a rapidez que as informações personalizadas são transmitidas.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Flowchart for recruiting party goers and participation in the randomized controlled trial for the evaluation of a web-based intervention with normative feedback to reduce alcohol abuse. São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Forest plot for the comparison of intragroup proportion changes, comparing baseline (0) and six months of follow-up, for each outcome evaluated. (n = 465)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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