A Web-based computer-tailored game to reduce binge drinking among 16 to 18 year old Dutch adolescents: development and study protocol

Abstract

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, excessive alcohol use (e.g., binge drinking) is prevalent among adolescents. Alcohol use in general and binge drinking in particular comes with various immediate and long term health risks. Thus, reducing binge drinking among this target group is very important. This article describes a two-arm Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (CRCT) of an intervention aimed at reducing binge drinking in this target group.MethodsThe intervention is a Web-based, computer-tailored game in which adolescents receive personalized feedback on their drinking behavior aimed at changing motivational determinants related to this behavior. The development of the game is grounded in the I-Change Model. A CRTC is conducted to test the effectiveness of the game. Adolescents are recruited through schools, and schools are randomized into the experimental condition and the control condition. The experimental condition fills in a baseline questionnaire assessing demographic variables, motivational determinants of behavior (attitude, social influences, self-efficacy, intention) and alcohol use. They are also asked to invite their parents to take part in a short parental component that focusses on setting rules and communicating about alcohol. After completing the baseline questionnaire, the experimental condition continues playing the first of three game scenarios. The primary follow-up measurement takes place after four months and a second follow-up after eight months. The control condition only fills in the baseline, four and eight month follow-up measurement and then receives access to the game (i.e., a waiting list control condition). The effectiveness of the intervention to reduce binge drinking in the previous 30 days and alcohol use in the last week will be assessed. Furthermore, intention to drink and binge drink are assessed. Besides main effects, potential subgroup differences pertaining to gender, age, and educational background are explored.DiscussionThe study described in this article gives insight into the effectiveness of a possible solution for a prominent public health issue in the Netherlands, which is binge drinking among 16 to 18 year old adolescents.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register (NTR4048). Trial registered on 06/26/2013.

Social, economic and family factors associated with binge drinking in Spanish adolescents

“…The sample was calculated using the online GRANMO tool, taking into account the prevalence of adolescent binge drinking in Spain (33.1%) [15] and estimating that the intervention would reduce consumption by 10%, accepting a p value of < 0.05 and a statistical power of 0.80, for a two-sided test. Based on the study by Jander et al [30], a dropout rate of about 50% was anticipated. The arc sine approximation was used.…”

Enjoyment: A Conceptual Exploration and Overview of Experimental Evidence in the Context of Games for Health

“…For example, a game focused on disease management of a serious illness is more likely to be perceived as being relevant to its target group than a game aimed at reducing binge drinking among adolescents, who are less concerned about long-term health consequences. 51 If a game is relevant for its players, they will be more likely to respond to such games openly and willingly, which may be conducive to a more enjoyable experience. 52 It might also reduce defensiveness and increase the ability to see multiple sides of the situation and switch attention among them, 53 which is likely to be beneficial when fostering behavior change.…”

Social, economic and family factors associated with binge drinking in Spanish adolescents

“…The word "glass" was used in the question to refer to a standard drink, and an image was provided in the questionnaire to help respondents understand the meaning of a standard beverage unit or glass of alcohol. The definition of binge drinking used in this study is consistent with ESTUDES [15], as well as with the definition used by Jander et al [38], as Alerta Alcohol is an adaptation of the Dutch programme Alcohol Alert [30]. One alcoholic drink equivalent in the Dutch programme was defined as a drink containing 9.9 grams of pure alcohol, which is similar to the measure in Spain, where one standard unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 grams of alcohol.…”