1. Targeting problematic users of illicit drugs with Internet-based screening and brief intervention: A randomized controlled trial
- Author
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Sinadinovic, Kristina, Wennberg, Peter, and Berman, Anne H.
- Subjects
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DRUGS of abuse , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *SUBSTANCE-induced disorders , *CONTROL groups , *STATISTICAL models , *DRUG use testing , *CLINICAL trials , *HEALTH outcome assessment - Abstract
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an Internet-based screening and brief intervention (SBI) site for problematic alcohol and drug use among illicit drug users. Method: Individuals searching for information about alcohol or drugs online who scored over 0 on the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) and were 15 years or older were recruited for this trial and randomized into one group receiving Internet-based screening and brief intervention via eScreen.se (n =101) or one assessment-only control group (n =101). Both groups were screened at baseline and followed up at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the DUDIT-C score and secondary outcome measures were DUDIT, AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C) and AUDIT scores. Additional outcomes included the proportion of drug abstainers and those who made a clinically significant change in their alcohol and drug use. Four statistical models of analysis were used to conservatively assess results. Results: A significant decrease in DUDIT-C scores at the 3-month follow-up occurred in both groups. Three out of four statistical models showed a larger decrease in the DUDIT score in the intervention group than in the control group (p =0.006; p =0.046; p =0.001). Two models showed a continued decrease in AUDIT-C and AUDIT scores also at the 6-month follow-up in the intervention group but not in the control group. No additional differences occurred. Conclusions: The results are inconclusive but provide some evidence that SBI sites such as eScreen.se could be effective for short-term reductions of problematic substance use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
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