Peer-led alcohol intervention for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

This study aims to assess the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a brief, peer-led alcohol intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in binge-drinking Spanish nursing students. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 first-year nursing students who were randomly assigned either a 50-min peer-led motivational intervention with individual feedback or a control condition. Primary outcomes for testing the preliminary efficacy were alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Quantitative and content analyses of open-ended survey questions were performed. Participants in the intervention condition significantly reduced binge-drinking episodes, peak blood alcohol content, and consequences compared to the control group. Principal facilitators were completing the questionnaire during the academic schedule and providing tailored feedback through a graphic report. The main barrier was the unreliability of students' initial commitment. The findings suggest that a brief motivational intervention could be effective for reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences in Spanish college students. Peer counselors and participants reported high satisfaction, indicating that the intervention is feasible. However, a full trial should be conducted taking into account the identified barriers and facilitators.

• Authors: Sara Pueyo-Garrigues, Miren Idoia Pardavila-Belio, María Pueyo-Garrigues, Navidad Canga-Armayor
• Journal: Nursing & health sciences (Nurs Health Sci) Vol. 25 Issue 3 Pg. 311-322 (Sep 2023) ISSN: 1442-2018 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 37271216 (Publication Type: Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Nursing & Health Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Chemical References

• Ethanol

Topics

• Humans
• Pilot Projects
• Alcohol Drinking (prevention & control)
• Ethanol
• Motivation
• Students
• Universities