The effectiveness of text-based messaging strategies for preventing subsequent problematic alcohol use among technical trainees in the U.S. Air force

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R01 · $586,051 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Episodic heavy or binge drinking and the associated health and social consequences are substantial public health concerns, with a high prevalence among young adults. This is particularly true among US military personnel. While alcohol consumption in the US military is very high and normative, there is zero tolerance for getting in legal trouble while drinking, and Airmen who do get in alcohol-related legal trouble (e.g., DUI, sexual assault) typically receive what is called an Alcohol Related Incident (ARI). In other populations, Brief Alcohol Interventions (BAIs) for alcohol misuse have been validated as efficacious with robust evidence for mostly college young adults who report episodic heavy drinking. Many BAI studies have targeted young adults who drink hazardously; these individuals are generally not interested in abstaining from alcohol, but are often willing to decrease the amount they drink or change the manner in which they drink in order to reduce harmful consequences. We have previously published1 the results of a BAI group- based intervention that has been shown to reduce ARIs universally (not in just high risk drinkers) in over 150,000 on average by 16%. Since we began in 2010, the BAI has been disseminated to most Airmen in Technical (Advanced) Training in the USAF. However, it is clear that additional research is needed to enhance the efficacy of our BAI intervention and to reduce the risk associated with problem drinking behavior. One such strategy that could improve health promotion outcomes is well timed and tailored automated text messages. Building on our preliminary study where text messages reduced driving after drinking as well as total drinks consumed before driving (See Previous Work), text messaging may be highly effective as the precise time that Airmen gain access to alcohol (when they are allowed off base for the first time) is known and is the same time for all Airmen. One of the challenges to conducting alcohol research in the military is the lack of privileged communication. As a result, it is difficult to obtain valid self-reports due to a tendency to deny or minimize use. Fortunately, we have recently validated a method developed by our research team for collecting anonymous data over time. We propose to conduct what is the first study in the military, as well as the first large scale, adequately powered trial, where intervention effects will be tracked out to a one year follow-up. Our findings would have strong implications for conducting research in both civilian and military populations. Thus, we propose the following Specific Aims: (1) We will randomize approximately 3000 Airmen to either the currently administered group BAI versus the BAI + Interactive Counselor Facilitated Text messages timed to occur before, during, and after Airmen have access to alcohol; and (2) To evaluate the efficacy of the intervention at a 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up using repeated anonymous surveys with unique identifiers all...

Key facts

NIH application ID
10906361
Project number
5R01AA029074-03
Recipient
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Principal Investigator
Meghan E. McDevitt-Murphy
Activity code
R01
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$586,051
Award type
5
Project period
2022-09-12 → 2027-08-31