Social Media Psychosocial Support Group in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Social Media Psychosocial Support Group to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in Women: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
The University of Hong Kong
60 participants
May 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This proposed study aims to develop and examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a proactive intervention model that combines brief psychological counselling, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and social media psychosocial support group to reduce alcohol consumption in women.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Adult women (age 18+),
- Had a total score ≥3 in AUDIT-C \[suggesting at-risk drinkers (i.e., binge drinking)\]( potential distress symptoms),
- Able to read and understand Chinese and use an instant messaging app weekly
Exclusion Criteria1
- Women who are undergoing psychiatric/psychological treatment
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
The mHealth intervention will be delivered via the most popular instant messaging app in Hong Kong (WhatsApp). A total of 12 instant messages of six themes in multi-media formats, including text, pictures, animation, and short videos, will be sent to the participants according to the stages of change for alcohol use. Pre-contemplation: provide information about the risks of drinking; Contemplation: Emphasize the benefits of reduction and quitting, discuss alcohol problems and achievable goals for reduction or quitting; Preparation: discuss goal and give advice and encouragement; Action: review advice and provide encouragement; and Maintenance: give encouragement.Using a more personalized approach, the messages will be tailored to the participants' motivation, intention to quit and other quitting patterns collected at baseline. Real-time conversations could be initiated by participants themselves, triggered by regular messages, or through prompt inquires.
After randomization and baseline data collection, participants will be linked to an experienced behavior counsellor and to receive a brief alcohol use counselling with health education, including health risks in alcohol use, advice to reduce alcohol consumption and available alcohol use services in Hong Kong with self-help psychoeducational materials. Guided by WHO, personal feedback will be provided according to Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score: 8-15 indicates at-risk for alcohol use, 16-19 indicates potentially harmful or hazardous drinking, and ≥20 indicates alcohol dependence. For subjects with potential risky drinking (3-8), AUDIT score will be explained and readiness to change drinking habits will be assessed.
The behavior counsellor will invite the participants to join a psychological support group for interactive counselling. Counsellor will lead the discussion and provide counselling according to the stages of change for alcohol use. Pre-contemplation: provide information about the risks of drinking; Contemplation: Emphasize the benefits of reduction and quitting, discuss alcohol problems and achievable goals for reduction or quitting; Preparation: discuss goal and give advice and encouragement; Action: review advice and provide encouragement; and Maintenance: give encouragement. Participants will be encouraged to interact with counsellor on any concerns about healthy lifestyle, mood fluctuation, and other ways to deal with cravings.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07381868