Developing web-based interventions for alcohol use screening and alcohol education administered by village health volunteers in the community setting

Background

Given technology’s rising importance in addressing alcohol issues, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of web-based interventions and that of traditional paper-based methods for alcohol use screening and education administered by village health volunteers (VHVs) in Thailand.

Methods

This cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in two Thai villages with similar demographics and alcohol-use patterns. The villages were randomly assigned to either a web-based or a paper-based intervention group. The web-based group accessed screenings and interventions through a digital platform designed to facilitate participant interaction and data collection, whereas the paper-based group used conventional face-to-face screenings, paper questionnaires, and printed educational materials.

Results

Of the 1396 participants, those in the web-based group (n = 421) demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of abstaining from or discontinuing alcohol use by the third session compared to those in the paper group (n = 975) (adjusted odds ratio 1.88–8.11). Additionally, satisfaction among VHVs regarding the ease of use and data accuracy was notably higher in the web-based group, with scores averaging 20 % higher than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Web-based interventions are more effective and efficient than traditional methods and provide a promising tool for expanding alcohol use disorder screening and education. This approach not only enhances participation rates but also improves the accuracy and reliability of health data collection.