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Reducing friday alcohol consumption among moderate, women drinkers: evaluation of a brief evidence-based intervention.

Murgraff V, Abraham C, McDermott M

School of Psychology, University of East London, Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LZ, UK; v.murgraff@uel.ac.uk.

AIMS: A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a brief research-based intervention designed to promote drinking within recommended limits on Fridays and Saturdays among moderate drinkers. METHODS: The two-page, leaflet-like intervention included persuasive communication targeting motivational and volitional antecedents of behaviour as specified by an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and implementation intention theory. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (TPB questionnaire only) or to a group receiving the TPB questionnaire plus leaflet-like intervention. Cognitions and drinking behaviour were measured immediately before the intervention and at 8-weeks follow-up. The pre-intervention questionnaire was distributed to 573 participants of whom 347 (61%) responded at follow-up. RESULTS: Significantly greater reduction in risky drinking on Fridays was observed among women (but not men) in the intervention group at 8-weeks follow-up. No other post-intervention differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost, readily-produced, written intervention focusing on recommended daily limits reduced risky drinking amongst women on Fridays. Further work on similar interventions is warranted.

Published 25 December 2006 in Alcohol Alcohol, 42(1): 37-41.
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