Addressing Risky Drinking Among Undergraduates: Pilot Evaluation Of A Nurse-Led Brief Motivational Intervention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/0temjy81Keywords:
Brief intervention, psychosocial, motivational intervention, alcohol, undergraduates, students, FRAMES model, brief negotiated interviews, harmful alcohol use, alcohol-related harms, AUDIT, RAPI.Abstract
Background: The incidence of harmful alcohol use among young adults (aged 18-24) is rising in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). A pilot study was conducted from February to July 2024 among undergraduate students with the aim to determine the efficacy of a nurse-led brief motivational intervention for harmful alcohol use and related harms.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group design. Among the 360 undergraduates screened, 60 were identified as engaging in harmful alcohol use, based on an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score between 8 and 19. Alcohol related problems were assessed in the selected undergraduates using standardized Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). The experimental group (n=30) received brief motivational intervention based on the model of Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu of options, Empathy, and Self-efficacy (FRAMES) consisting of two individualized sessions of Brief Negotiated Interviews of 15-20 mins. duration while the control group (n=30) received standard advice.
Results: At three months post-intervention, the mean AUDIT and RAPI scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that a FRAMES-based psychosocial intervention may effectively address alcohol use and related harms among undergraduate students.
