306419
‘Can I dance in high heels with this?' Examining the experience and effectiveness of continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring with a female student population
Transdermal alcohol monitoring anklets continuously measure unmetabolized alcohol secreted in sweat. This study explored the drinking behavior of female students, their experiences of wearing an anklet, and the potential impact of different forms of feedback on their drinking behavior.
Methods
A mixed methods design was used. Fifty-six female students completed an online suite of questionnaires and were randomized into one of four conditions using AUDIT score-stratified sampling. Three experimental groups wore an anklet for two 7-day periods separated by a 7-day break. During the break period two of the experimental groups were given feedback on their drinking using UK drinking guidelines, with one group additionally given feedback on the data recorded by their anklet. The remaining experimental group and the control group did not receive feedback. Focus groups and diaries explored participants’ experiences of wearing the anklet.
Results
AUDIT scores ranged from 3-18 and their baseline 7-day alcohol consumption ranged from 0-44 units. Questionnaire and transdermal alcohol monitoring data allowed quantitative analysis of patterns of consumption and the effect of feedback on alcohol consumption during Week 3 relative to baseline data. Focus groups and diaries considered the female experience of wearing an anklet, drinking contexts, perceived vulnerability while drinking, and further explored the impact of feedback on alcohol consumption.
Conclusions
This study provides insight into the experience and usefulness of transdermal alcohol monitoring with and without feedback for female students. The findings will be used to inform the development of future interventions to tackle alcohol misuse among females.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practicePlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe the drinking behavior of a cohort of female students. Discuss the impact of transdermal alcohol monitoring with and without feedback on the drinking behaviour of female students. Identify ways in which this information can be used to inform the development of interventions for alcohol misuse among females.
Keyword(s): Alcohol Use, Women's Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a senior academic with a research interest in alcohol and violence. I have published in in both of these areas. I played a leading role in the design, execution and analysis of this study. I have previous experience with the use of the technology described.
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Study reports the effectiveness and experience of transdermal alcohol monitoring using SCRAMx ankle bracelets manufactured by AMS (www.alcoholmonitoring.com).
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.