EFFECTIVENESS OF MOBILE APPS AND TEXT MESSAGE TO MANAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTIONS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: According to the practical guidelines adopted by many countries to manage alcohol-related problems, continuous monitoring, education and social support are effective strategies to prevent problematic behaviors caused by drinking.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to do literature review and meta-analysis to find out the trend of related researches using smartphone applications developed to help alcoholics to manage their alcohol consumptions and alcohol-related problems.
METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile interventions for individuals with problematic alcohol consumptions. Based on the inclusion criteria for literature review, a total of 18 articles were selected. Meta-analysis was done following PRISMA, and 6 electronic databases were searched systematically to identify relevant studies.
RESULTS: This study reviewed 18 mobile app-based intervention studies aiming to manage problematic alcohol consumption, using either mobile application or text messages. Meta-analysis was conducted on the outcomes in drinking days, excessive drinking and amount of drinking, and pooled analyses favored intervention. Of 18 studies reviewed, 7 used app and 11 used text message interventions. 5 studies reported reduction of drinking days and pooled analysis favoured the intervention (SMD= -0.207, 98% CI: -0.380 to -0.035). 11 studies reported reduction of excessive drinking, and pooled analysis showed statistically significant effectiveness of mobile interventions (SMD= -0.365, 98% CI: -0.559 to -0.170). 10 studies reported the outcome of alcohol consumption and the pooled analysis showed statistically significant reduction using mobile intervention (SMD= -0.232, 98% CI: -0.342 to -0.121). The additional subgroup analysis by dividing intervention types indicated that mobile applications showed greater effectiveness than text-based intervention.
CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of consistency in behavioral management intervention, this study is significant in that it testified the effectiveness of mobile approach that are available anytime and anywhere at users’ convenience.