Measuring alcohol consumption while watching sport events: a feasibility and validity study comparing ecological momentary assessments and transdermal alcohol monitors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This feasibility and validity study aimed to evaluate and compare ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys and transdermal SCRAM-CAM monitors to measure drinking while watching Australian Rules Football (AFL). Methods During 29 events, 13 participants wore a SCRAM-CAM monitor while completing EMA surveys. Correspondence in the alcohol levels detected and correlation between the self-reported drinks and transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) were measured. An exit survey assessed participant experiences. Results Alcohol consumption was self-reported on 24 (83.3%) of 29 events, with an average of 5.0 standard drinks consumed over 2.3 hours. Correspondence in the levels of alcohol detected was good at 0.62. TAC curves showed large-sized correlations to the number of self-reported drinks (r = 0.55–0.67). Some participants noted discomfort from the SCRAM-CAM, whilst others reported annoyance completing EMA surveys during a match. Conclusions EMA surveys are a cost effective method for collecting information on drinking as well as contexts and other factors such as harms. A clear benefit of the SCRAM-CAM is the ability to provide detailed information on intoxication trajectories. We suggest that a combination of the two methods will inform the most meaningful approaches for prevention and intervention strategies to reduce harmful drinking among sport spectators.