TRAM: Texting to Reduce Alcohol Misuse

Project Details

Trial Protocol: Iain K Crombie, Linda Irvine, Brian Williams, Falko F Sniehotta, Dennis Petrie, Josie MM Evans, Carol Emslie, Claire Jones, Ian W Ricketts, Gerry Humphris, John Norrie, Peter Rice, Peter W Slane, 2014. A mobile phone intervention to reduce binge drinking among disadvantaged men: study protocol for a randomised controlled cost-effectiveness trial, Trials, 15:494

Project summary

Disadvantaged men who binge drink frequently are at a greatly increased risk of experiencing alcohol-related harm.  This study will test the cost effectiveness of an intervention aimed at reducing the frequency of binge drinking among young to middle-aged disadvantaged men.  The intervention is delivered through a series of interactive text messages with images sent to mobile phones.  It has been developed from extensive research on successful approaches to modifying adverse health behaviours.  It was designed following a careful review of psychological models, communication theory and research evidence from previous mobile phone interventions.  A feasibility study funded by NIHR showed that disadvantaged men could readily be recruited to the study and that they engaged enthusiastically with components of the intervention. This is a four centre parallel group randomised controlled trial which includes Tayside, Fife, Strathclyde and the Central region of Scotland. The study will involve the recruitment of 692 men who will be randomised to receive either the alcohol intervention or a general health promotion intervention. The Univeristy of Melbourne is responsible for the economic evaluation for the project.

Researchers

Dr Li Huang

Funding

National Institute for Health Research, UK

Research Publications

Crombie, I.K., Irvine, L., Williams, B., Sniehotta, F.F., PETRIE, D., Evans, J.M.M., Emslie, C., Jones, C., Ricketts, I.W., Humphris, G., Norrie, J., Rice, P., & Slane, P.W. (2014). A mobile phone intervention to reduce binge drinking among disadvantaged men: study protocol for a randomised controlled cost-effectiveness trial. Trials, 15.

Research Group




Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Centre for Health Policy

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