Actively Recruiting
A Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Alcohol Reduction Counseling in MetALD Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-03-23
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the feasibility and acceptance of a large language model (LLM)-based chatbot aimed at helping patients with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) reduce their alcohol consumption. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess participant enrollment, retention rates at three and six months, user compliance, usability of the chatbot, and its effect on reducing alcohol use. The study also explores participants' experiences and perceptions of interacting with the chatbot. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for a three-month period following randomization. One group will interact with the LLM-based chatbot, which delivers four personalized sessions about alcohol reduction and is accessible anytime for additional support. The comparison group will receive four individual telephone counseling sessions from trained counselors offering personalized advice on reducing alcohol intake. Both groups will also receive a brief alcohol intervention consisting of short counseling sessions and a self-help booklet. During the study, researchers will monitor recruitment and retention rates, weekly alcohol consumption, and patterns of binge and heavy drinking through assessments at three and six months after randomization. Additional measures include alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) scores and participants' plans for drinking in the upcoming month. Participants are expected to engage in behavioral assessments and provide feedback on treatment acceptability. The study is designed to last approximately six months per participant, with continuous monitoring of alcohol use and treatment adherence.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Alcohol Reduction in Patients With Metabolic Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above
- Diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease confirmed by imaging or biopsy
- Presence of metabolic dysfunction such as overweight or obesity (BMI 65 kg/m2), type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome
- Alcohol consumption: males drinking 210-420 g/week, females drinking 140-350 g/week
- Intention to reduce or quit alcohol
- Able to read and communicate in Chinese
- Own a smartphone with internet access
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with mental disease or cognitive impairments
- Currently participating in other ongoing clinical trials
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 months
Participants receive personalized alcohol reduction counseling either through a large language model-based chatbot or telephone counseling, alongside a brief alcohol intervention.
4 individual counseling sessions over 3 months
Duration - 3 months after treatment ends
Participants are monitored for alcohol consumption and behavior changes up to 6 months after randomization.
Assessments at 6 months after randomization
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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