Assessment of a computer‐supported alcohol education intervention program

Abstract

Summarizes the results of an evaluation of an interactive multimedia program designed to inform young adults on the physical and behavioral consequences of excessive use of alcohol. The sample of 710 participating undergraduate students were referred to the university because of some violation of code of conduct regarding alcohol use. Of these, 610 students were assigned to use of an alcohol harm reduction computer program versus writing an essay on responsible drinking. Analysis of alcohol expectations found that the software users, as compared to the comparison group, reported significantly more changes in expectations about alcohol post‐intervention and intentions to change behavior towards greater safety and responsibility. Such an approach is potentially (in terms of resources) available on a campus for this type of educational programming and has the advantage of targeting students during a teachable moment introduced through a university sanction. Suggests that computer supported programs might evolve to be an effective method for health education.

Citation

Reis, J. and Riley, W. (2002), "Assessment of a computer‐supported alcohol education intervention program", Health Education, Vol. 102 No. 3, pp. 124-132. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280210426010