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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Short message service (SMS)-based intervention targeting alcohol consumption among university students: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Kristin Thomas, Marcus Bendtsen, Catharina Linderoth, Nadine Karlsson, Preben Bendtsen, Ulrika Müssener

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Despite significant health risks, heavy drinking of alcohol among university students is a widespread problem; excessive drinking is part of the social norm. A growing number of studies indicate that short message service (SMS)-based interventions are cost-effective, accessible, require limited effort by users, and can enable continuous, real-time, brief support in real-world settings. Although there is emerging evidence for the effect of SMS-based interventions in reducing alcohol consumption, more research is needed. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a newly developed SMS-based intervention targeting excessive alcohol consumption among university and college students in Sweden.

Methods

The study is a two-arm randomized controlled trial with an intervention (SMS programme) and a control (treatment as usual) group. Outcome measures will be investigated at baseline and at 3-month follow up. The primary outcome is total weekly alcohol consumption. Secondary outcomes are frequency of heavy episodic drinking, highest estimated blood alcohol concentration and number of negative consequences due to excessive drinking.

Discussion

This study contributes knowledge on the effect of automatized SMS support to reduce excessive drinking among students compared with existing support such as Student Health Centres.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.com, ISRCTN95054707. Registered on 31 August 2016.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Short message service (SMS)-based intervention targeting alcohol consumption among university students: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kristin Thomas
Marcus Bendtsen
Catharina Linderoth
Nadine Karlsson
Preben Bendtsen
Ulrika Müssener
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1898-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Short message service (SMS)-based intervention targeting alcohol consumption among university students: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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