Development of a smartphone app (‘Drink Less’) to reduce excessive drinking: selection of intervention content

Abstract

Background: Hazardous and/or harmful drinking is highly prevalent among adults in the UK but few drinkers use support to reduce their alcohol consumption. Smartphone apps offer potential support not dependent on face-to-face contact; however, we have little evidence of their effectiveness and little information about the extent to which they have been informed by theory and evidence from alcohol- and behaviour change research. The aim was to select intervention components most likely to be effective at reducing hazardous and/or harmful alcohol consumption in a smartphone app (‘Drink Less’). Methods: To identify potential intervention components for the Drink Less app, we conducted a behavioural analysis, reviewed relevant behaviour change theories, types of alcohol interventions and digital interventions from other behavioural domains, conducted a formal consensus building exercise and analysed the most frequently used components included in existing alcohol reduction smartphone apps. The results of these different methodologies were synthesised and used as the basis for selecting the intervention components for the Drink Less app. Findings: Five intervention components were selected for the app: 1) normative feedback, 2) feedback and self-monitoring, 3) identity change, 4) action planning and 5) cognitive bias re-training. Each component was designed in an intensive and a minimal credible version. Discussion: Drawing on theory and empirical evidence, the Drink Less app was designed around five intervention components. Qualitative usability testing including think-aloud studies will inform the final version which will be evaluated in a full factorial randomised controlled trial to test the effects of the intervention components.