Text Messaging to Reduce High-risk Alcohol Use Among Older Adults

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK · Mar 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how text messaging can help older adults in Denmark reduce high-risk alcohol use. High-risk drinking, defined as more than 10 standard drinks a week, is a growing concern for people aged 55 and older, as it can lead to serious health problems and affect their daily lives. The study will involve 60 older adults who own a mobile phone and want to cut back on their drinking. Participants will receive supportive text messages over 12 weeks to encourage healthier habits and improve their overall well-being.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between 55 and 80 years old, have been drinking more than the safe limit, and be fluent in Danish. However, those with more severe drinking issues, serious withdrawal symptoms, or certain mental health conditions cannot participate. The trial aims to see if the text messaging approach is well-received and effective in helping participants reduce their alcohol use and improve their daily functioning and relationships. If you or a loved one fits the criteria and is interested in making a positive change, this study could be a valuable opportunity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • consumption of \> 10 standard drinks á 12 gram ethanol per week (i.e., high-risk alcohol use defined by the Danish Health Authority) in the past four weeks
• • desire to reduce drinking
• • age 55 to 80 years
• • mobile phone ownership and willingness to receive and respond to text messages
• • fluency in Danish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • drinking more than 53 standard drinks per week in the last four weeks
• • past 12 month alcohol withdrawal symptoms or lifetime history of serious withdrawal symptoms (e.g., seizures)
• • score above 12 on the Short alcohol withdrawal scale; SAWS
• • possible drug dependence (i.e., use of illegal drugs or psychotropic medication taken without prescription more than once a month)
• • indication of serious psychiatric illness (lifetime diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar disorder, inpatient treatment or medication for these, recent suicidality)
• • current alcohol/drug abuse treatment or a desire to start alcohol/drug abuse treatment during the study
• • medical condition that requires abstinence from alcohol
• • wish to achieve abstinence (applied to secure a focus on reduction)
• • lack of understanding of study protocol or reading difficulty as evidenced by a score of less than 7 out of 10 on the consent form quiz.