Computer-based interventions targeting hazardous alcohol consumption and depressiveness among medical care patients: Preliminary findings from a randomized controlled proof of concept trial

Purpose We developed a fully automatized computer-based intervention to simultaneously address alcohol consumption and depression. We report on an initial proof of concept trial.

Methods Participants were recruited via a multicenter screening program approaching consecutive adult patients from ambulatory practices and hospitals. Inclusion criteria were hazardous alcohol consumption and an episode of subclinical or clinical symptoms of depression in the past year. In total, 132 participants were randomized to an assessment only control or an intervention group receiving six individually tailored motivational feedback letters and weekly text messages over a period of 6 months. Intervention content was constructed based on the principals of the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change. Outcome was assessed by computer-assisted telephone interviews scheduled 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 months (T3) after baseline.

Results Preliminary analyses were based on data from T1 (n=103), T2 (n=109) and T3 (not completed, current state March 2020, n=93) follow-ups. Generalized estimating equation analysis adjusting for recruitment setting age and sex revealed a significant decrease in depression scores (p<.01) and no significant time effect for alcohol measures. At all follow-ups changes in alcohol and depression measures were numerically larger in the intervention compared to the control group, reaching small to medium effect-sizes. However, statistical significance was only reached for heavy drinking days at T2 and depression at T1 (t-test, one-sided p <.05).

Conclusions The intervention and research logistic proofed to be technical feasible. Based on our preliminary analysis effects seem comparable to single focused motivational interventions among unselected samples. Thus, a future adequately powered effectiveness trial is warranted.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021