App-Based Intervention for Underage Drinking

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Loyola Marymount University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate both the short-term and long-term efficacy of innovative, incentive-free parent-based interventions (PBIs) designed to reduce underage drinking on college campuses. Although the current NIAAA-recommended Parent Handbook has shown modest effects, our preliminary work suggests that combining personalized normative feedback (PNF) delivered through a social media-inspired app with psychoeducational content can effectively decrease alcohol-related risk. In this large, multi-site trial with 2,040 first-year students, we will examine the short- and long-term effects of the experimental app-based PNF program (PNF+ PBI) compared to an email-based social norms marketing campaign (SNMC+ PBI), the Parent Handbook (PH+ PBI), and an assessment-only control on alcohol use and consequences (primary outcomes). Parent alcohol approval and communication will also be assessed as potential mediators of intervention effects (secondary outcomes). The researchers hypothesize that students whose parents receive PNF+ and SNMC+ PBIs will report lower levels of alcohol use and fewer alcohol-related consequences compared to those whose parents receive PH+ PBI or no intervention. It is also expected that parental approval will be lower and alcohol-related communication will be higher in these two experimental conditions, relative to PH+ PBI and no intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for first-year college students aiming to reduce underage drinking. Parents of these students will participate in interventions without incentives. Students must be enrolled at one of the participating campuses and willing to have their alcohol use monitored.

Exclusion Criteria

I am either under 17 or over 20 years old.

Participant Groups

The study tests three parent-based interventions: an app-based personalized feedback program (PNF+ PBI), an email campaign promoting healthy norms (SNMC+ PBI), and a Parent Handbook approach (PH+ PBI). The goal is to see which method best reduces student alcohol consumption.

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: SNMC+ PBIExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This intervention consists of a series of six structured communications that present risk-reducing normative facts about alcohol use. Each communication includes a specific tip designed to guide parents in effectively discussing alcohol-related risks and establishing constructive conversations with their student.

Group II: PNF+ PBIExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This intervention involves an interactive app that delivers six personalized normative feedback quizzes. Based on quiz responses, the app provides tailored videos and readings that address parents' misperceptions about student drinking and offer strategies to reduce alcohol-related risks. The app also includes a resource library and generates customized reading lists through the quizzes.

Group III: No InterventionActive Control1 Intervention

In the control condition, no parent-based intervention content is provided.

Group IV: PH+ PBIActive Control1 Intervention

This intervention provides a digital version of the Parent Handbook, which contains comprehensive psychoeducational content on alcohol-related risks, effective communication strategies, and practical guidelines for reducing underage drinking. The Handbook is designed to be reviewed at the parent's own pace, offering a thorough resource for managing alcohol-related issues.