A Randomized Phase I Trial of a Brief Computer-Delivered Intervention for Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

Abstract

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has a range of negative consequences for the developing fetus. Screening and brief intervention approaches have significant promise, but their population impact may be limited by a range of challenges to implementation. We, therefore, conducted preliminary acceptability and feasibility evaluation of a computer-delivered brief intervention for alcohol use during pregnancy. Participants were 50 pregnant women who screened positive for risky drinking during a routine prenatal clinic visit and were randomly assigned to computer-delivered brief intervention or assessment-only conditions. Ratings of intervention ease of use, helpfulness, and other factors were high (4.7-5.0 on a 1-5 scale). Participants in both conditions significantly decreased alcohol use at follow-up, with no group differences; however, birth weights for infants born to women in the intervention group were significantly higher (p<0.05, d = 0.62). Further development and study of computer-delivered screening and intervention for alcohol use during pregnancy are warranted.