Adolescent Behavior, Alcohol Drinking, Binge Drinking
Conditions
Keywords
Adolescence, Alcohol Drinking, Binge Drinking, I-Change model, Web-based interventions, Computer-tailoring
Brief summary
This study consists in the the design, implementation, and evaluation of the first web-based computer tailored intervention program aimed at the prevention of binge drinking in Spanish adolescents (Alerta Alcohol). A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial is conducted to test the effectiveness of Alerta Alcohol in students aged 16 to 18 years across 16 high schools from Andalusia (southern Spain), which are randomized either to the experimental or the control condition (EC and CC).
Detailed description
Binge-drinking in adolescents is a highly prevalent healthcare problem that associates physical and mental health complications and community implications. The Alerta Alcohol program is based on the I-Change Model. Focus and Delphi groups are used to obtain further information on items included in the program. A pilot study is conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses. A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial is carried out. The schools from Andalusia are randomized either to the experimental or the control condition (EC and CC). The EC receives the Alerta Alcohol intervention, which consists of four sessions at school: baseline questionnaire and two sessions where adolescents are provided with answers related to their views to provide highly specific feedback regarding their knowledge, risk perception, self-esteem, attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy. In addition, two booster sessions are given at home to reinforce the contents. The CC just completes the baseline and the evaluation questionnaires and then they are allowed to receive the intervention as well (as a waiting list control condition). Evaluation takes place after four months. The primary endpoint is binge drinking within 30 days prior to evaluation and alcohol use in the previous week. It is expected that Alerta Alcohol reduces the prevalence of binge drinking by 10%. Follow up analyses are carried out to determine the differences in effectiveness according to the compliance of the program (quality of the implementation).
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAlerta Alcohol
The intervention consists of preventive messages about the benefits of not consuming alcohol, reducing the positive attitudes and encouraging the negative attitudes towards alcohol drinking and binge drinking, as well as social influence and self-efficacy, by personalized feedback. Skills and action plans are encouraged to help the student to reject binge drinking. This information is presented through different tailored messages. Moreover, four avatars (two males and two females), which can be chosen as part of the story development. This story consists of a short story about the alcohol consumption by adolescents.The stories take place in three different scenarios (at home, at celebrations and in public places).
Sponsors
Junta de Andalucia
Maastricht University
University of Seville
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial is conducted to test the effectiveness of Alerta Alcohol in students aged 16 to 18 years. The study is performed in 16 high schools from Andalusia (southern Spain), which are randomized either to the experimental or the control condition (EC and CC). The EC receives the Alerta Alcohol intervention, which consists of four sessions at school. The adolescents are provided highly specific feedback regarding their knowledge, risk perception, self-esteem, attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy. In addition, two booster sessions are given at home to reinforce the contents of the three scenarios. The CC just completes the baseline and the evaluation questionnaires and then they are allowed to receive the intervention as well (as a waiting list control condition).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Students aged 16 to 18 years. * Enrolled in Andalusian public high schools. * Schools belonging to provincial capitals. * Access to the Internet at the school and an equipped ICT room.
Exclusion criteria
* Language barriers. * Previous participation in prevention programs for binge drinking.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing binge-drinking | 4 months after the baseline | Reducing binge-drinking (4/5 glasses or alcohol in one ocassion for a girl/boy) within 30 days prior to evaluation. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing weekly alcohol drinking | 4 months after the baseline | Reducing alcohol drinking within the 7 days prior to evaluation |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed