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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

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Open Access 01-10-2017

Computer-Based Interventions for Problematic Alcohol Use: a Review of Systematic Reviews

Authors: Christopher Sundström, Matthijs Blankers, Zarnie Khadjesari

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of knowledge and knowledge gaps in the field of computer-based alcohol interventions by (1) collating evidence on the effectiveness of computer-based alcohol interventions in different populations and (2) exploring the impact of four specified moderators of effectiveness: therapeutic orientation, length of intervention, guidance and trial engagement.

Methods

A review of systematic reviews of randomized trials reporting on effectiveness of computer-based alcohol interventions published between 2005 and 2015.

Results

Fourteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. Across the included reviews, it was generally reported that computer-based alcohol interventions were effective in reducing alcohol consumption, with mostly small effect sizes. There were indications that longer, multisession interventions are more effective than shorter or single session interventions. Evidence on the association between therapeutic orientation of an intervention, guidance or trial engagement and reductions in alcohol consumption is limited, as the number of reviews addressing these themes is low. None of the included reviews addressed the association between therapeutic orientation, length of intervention or guidance and trial engagement.

Conclusions

This review of systematic reviews highlights the mostly positive evidence supporting computer-based alcohol interventions as well as reveals a number of knowledge gaps that could guide future research in this field.

Even though Bewick et al. 2008 and Tait et al. 2010 did not restrict inclusion to a student population, they both are included in this section since 4 out of 5 studies and 13 out of 14 studies respectively were conducted in student setting.

All reviews mentioned in this subsection include a small number of studies in non-health-care settings such as the workplace and the military, and trials in health care settings, such as General Practice, emergency departments, and women and infant services. These findings tend to be pooled with all non-student studies, due to their small numbers.

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Title: Computer-Based Interventions for Problematic Alcohol Use: a Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Christopher Sundström
Matthijs Blankers
Zarnie Khadjesari
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-016-9601-8

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Springer Medicine

Computer-Based Interventions for Problematic Alcohol Use: a Review of Systematic Reviews

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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