Computer-delivered interventions to reduce college student drinking: a meta-analysis

Authors: Carey, Kate B.; Scott-Sheldon, Lori A. J.; Elliott, Jennifer C.; Bolles, Jamie R.; Carey, Michael P.

Source: Addiction, Volume 104, Number 11, November 2009 , pp. 1807-1819(13)

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Abstract:

Aims

This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of computer-delivered interventions (CDIs) to reduce alcohol use among college students. Methods

We included 35 manuscripts with 43 separate interventions, and calculated both between-group and within-group effect sizes for alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Effects sizes were calculated for short-term (≤5 weeks) and long-term (≥6 weeks) intervals. All studies were coded for study descriptors, participant characteristics and intervention components. Results

The effects of CDIs depended on the nature of the comparison condition: CDIs reduced quantity and frequency measures relative to assessment-only controls, but rarely differed from comparison conditions that included alcohol-relevant content. Small-to-medium within-group effect sizes can be expected for CDIs at short- and long-term follow-ups; these changes are less than or equivalent to the within-group effect sizes observed for more intensive interventions. Conclusions

CDIs reduce the quantity and frequency of drinking among college students. CDIs are generally equivalent to alternative alcohol-related comparison interventions.

Keywords: Alcohol use; binge drinking; college students; computer-delivered intervention; prevention; meta-analysis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02691.x

Publication date: 2009-11-01