Brief Motivational Intervention in a Non-Treatment Seeking Population of Heavy Drinkers - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Anders Blædel Gottlieb Hansen, Ulrik Becker, Anette Søgaard Nielsen, Morten Grønbæk, Janne Schurmann Tolstrup

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    Abstract

    Background: Heavy alcohol drinking has a significant impact on public health
    in most Western countries. Brief interventions are effective in decreasing alcohol
    consumption. In a Danish context, the feasibility and effectiveness of screening and subsequent brief intervention has been questioned.
    Aim: To determine whether a brief motivational intervention resulted in lowering of self-reported alcohol use in a non-treatment seeking population of heavy drinkers.
    Method: Before participating in a Danish Health Examination Survey study all
    participants completed a mailed questionnaire. Systematic screening of 12,364
    adults led to inclusion of 772 heavy drinkers (defined as weekly alcohol consumption above the Danish safe drinking limits (168 grams of alcohol for women, 252 grams for men), who were randomized into a control (n=381) or an intervention (n=391) group.
    The intervention consisted of a brief (approx. 10 minute) motivational intervention
    and two leaflets about alcohol. The control group received two leaflets about
    alcohol. Follow-up took place after 6/12 months on 670/612 persons. Outcome
    measure was self-reported reduction in alcohol consumption.
    Results : At 6 and 12 month follow-up, the difference in weekly alcohol use between the two groups was non-significant (1.4/0.8 standard drink, P=0.17 / P=0.26).
    Discussion: We found no evidence indicating that a brief motivational intervention
    could lead to a reduction in self-reported alcohol consumption.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date7. Jun 2010
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 7. Jun 2010

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