SMS Intervention for Binge Drinking Among College Students: A Randomized Control Trial

Epidemiology 1
Epidemiology
by
Course:
Tutor:
University:
Department:
Date:

Epidemiology 2
The Public health importance of the subject
Studies have been carried out on the prevalence of binge drinking among young adults. The
study by Tavolacci et al. (2016) reported that approximately 50% of college students were
engaged in binge drinking. Binge drinking leads to multiple injuries associated with alcohol
consumption and the development of illnesses linked to it (White and Hingson, 2013). Due to
the severe effects of binge drinking, several attempts have been made in an effort to try and
address the issue. For instance, Brief in-person interventions were proposed by Taggart et al.
(2013) tested and found to be effective, even though their impact was minimal compared to
the large population that is affected by the problem. Clark and Moss (2010) attributed the
ineffectiveness of such programs to the costs incurred in their implementations such as
offering continuous one-on-one counseling. Another approach is through the use of
automated interventions by use of mobile devices and the internet. Computerized procedures
allow standardization of support materials and low stigma with regard to individual reporting.
Carey et al. (2012) conducted a study on the effectiveness of using computerized alcohol
intervention and found out that they had short-term reductions in alcohol consumption among
college students. As a result, more other approaches such as mobile phones were later
introduced (Morgenstern, Kuerbis, and Muench, 2014). This approach is deemed useful
because the mobile phone is owned by most people and thus can reach a broad population
within a short time. Some of the effects of binge drinking include increased aggression, risky
sexual behaviour, suicidal behaviour and self-disclosure (White and Hingson, 2013). The
study aimed at assessing the efficacy of SMS intervention concerning the duration of its
effect. This study is therefore important because it aims at looking for a reliable and effective
intervention approach for binge drinking
The appropriateness of the study design

Epidemiology 3
The research used a randomized control trial (RCT). The study aimed at assessing the
stability of SMS intervention effects for six months after successful completion of the
intervention. The study reports participants to be young adults aged between 18 and 25 years
and were reimbursed for their time (US$10). Those that successfully completed the follow-
ups were also reimbursed in the following order; three months-$20, six months $30, and nine
months $40. The study randomly allocated the subjects to three groups and subjected them to
one of three treatments at a ratio of 2:1:1. One group received SMS assessment and feedback
(SA+F), the other SMS assessment, and the last one did not receive any SMS (control group).
The study used blocks of eight at all the places of recruitment assigned them to each group
electronically by using algorithms generated from the computer. Thus the sequence of
allocation was adequate leading to a low risk of bias. This also shows that the process was
truly random (Roever and Oliveira, 2015).
Methods of data collection
SMS was sent to the participants in the two experimental groups. The SA+F group received
two-way messages on Thursday and Sunday, the SA group only received SMS drinking
questions every Sunday, and the control group received none. After six to nine months of
registration, the subjects were to complete the surveys in the secured computer. Thus, data
were collected using online surveys.
Moreover, the study used blocks of eight at all the places of recruitment and assigned them to
each group electronically by using algorithms generated from the computer. The participants
were also not informed of the groups they were allocated, and the investigators were also not
made aware of the treatment allocation. These ensured adequate allocation concealment. This
also confirms sufficient blinding of the participants and researchers from the knowledge
regarding the interventions (Higgins et al., 2011).