233811 MHealth for measuring and controlling substance abuse

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 9:20 AM - 9:45 AM

Jay M. Bernhardt, PhD, MPH , Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL
Stuart Usdan, PhD , Department of Health Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
     
Mobile-based applications have great potential to improve measurement of risk behaviors, such as substance use and abuse, and of delivering tailored interventions to reduce risk behaviors and negative consequences. This presentation explores the results from several experimental studies to assess the relative effectiveness of using wireless handheld devices for daily alcohol assessment and related consequences among college students. In addition, results will be presented from a related pilot study using tailored text messages to reduce negative consequences of alcohol use. Results suggest that the wireless, mobile-based assessments captured similar levels of alcohol use and contextual factors compared with the traditional paper-based daily assessment. In addition, the electronic collection of these data can facilitate the delivery of tailored, mobile interventions. The pilot results from one such intervention will be presented and discussed. This research was supported with funding from NIAAA.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the results from a series of NIAAA-funded studies using wireless, mobile devices to assess alcohol use and abuse. 2. Dicuss the potential for using wireless, mobile devises for tailored interventions. 3. Compare and contrast these findings in the context of other studies using tailored text messaging.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked on eHealth issues for 15+ years, I directed a national center at CDC, and I currently direct a Center for Digital Health and Wellness at the University of Florida.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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