Zacatecas

Researchers are comparing two methods of delivering brief interventions to people who may have unhealthy alcohol use based on their scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The study aims to find out if an electronic brief intervention (eBI) delivered through an app on a handheld device is at least as effective as a traditional face-to-face brief intervention provided by a trained health educator. This non-inferiority trial focuses on reducing alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors in adults who score 8 or higher on the AUDIT. Participants will be assigned to receive either the electronic brief intervention via an app or the traditional in-person brief intervention during alternating weeks at participating hospitals and clinics in Zacatecas, Mexico, and Alexandra Township, South Africa. The brief intervention includes personal feedback on drinking risk levels and guidance to help participants develop a realistic plan to lower their alcohol use to safer levels. The study enrolls adults aged 18 and older who have not been screened in the last six months. During the study, participants first complete alcohol screening and a survey about their demographics and recent alcohol use. Follow-up surveys are conducted at 3 and 6 months to track changes in alcohol consumption and AUDIT scores. Researchers measure the average daily quantity and frequency of drinking over the past 30 days as the primary outcome. Participants receive incentives for completing surveys, and contact information is collected to support follow-up. The study monitors changes over time to evaluate the effectiveness of both intervention methods.