C Sundström1,2, C Schell2, J D Wardell2,3,4,5, A Godinho2, J A Cunningham2. 1. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. 2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 4. Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. 5. Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Some research suggests that internet interventions aimed at people with problematic alcohol use are more effective when provided with guidance from a therapist or coach. Purpose/ Objectives: This trial intended to compare the effects of a previously evaluated internet intervention for people with problematic alcohol use when delivered with or without brief email guidance. Methods: Using online advertising, 238 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive access to the Internet intervention Alcohol Help Center with or without brief email guidance from a health educator. The guidance consisted of at least four structured, slightly individualized emails delivered during the first two weeks after randomization. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results:Number of log-ins did not differ significantly between groups throughout the follow-up period. The follow-up rate at 6 months was 47.0%. Generalized estimating equations run on the primary (standard drinks in preceding week/heavy drinking days in preceding week) and secondary outcome variables (AUDIT, AUDIT-C, quality of life) revealed no significant differences between the interventions on any of the outcomes. Conclusions/Importance: The study does not provide support for any added benefits of providing brief guidance via email in an internet intervention for problem drinkers.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Some research suggests that internet interventions aimed at people with problematic alcohol use are more effective when provided with guidance from a therapist or coach. Purpose/ Objectives: This trial intended to compare the effects of a previously evaluated internet intervention for people with problematic alcohol use when delivered with or without brief email guidance. Methods: Using online advertising, 238 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive access to the Internet intervention Alcohol Help Center with or without brief email guidance from a health educator. The guidance consisted of at least four structured, slightly individualized emails delivered during the first two weeks after randomization. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results: Number of log-ins did not differ significantly between groups throughout the follow-up period. The follow-up rate at 6 months was 47.0%. Generalized estimating equations run on the primary (standard drinks in preceding week/heavy drinking days in preceding week) and secondary outcome variables (AUDIT, AUDIT-C, quality of life) revealed no significant differences between the interventions on any of the outcomes. Conclusions/Importance: The study does not provide support for any added benefits of providing brief guidance via email in an internet intervention for problem drinkers.
Authors: Christopher Sundström; Vanessa Peynenburg; Carly Chadwick; David Thiessen; Andrew Wilhems; Marcie Nugent; Matthew T Keough; Michael P Schaub; Heather D Hadjistavropoulos Journal: Addict Sci Clin Pract Date: 2022-07-23