Utility of Mobile Messages in Preventing Relapse in Patients of Alcohol Dependence: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

STUDY TITLE: Utility of Mobile Messages in Preventing Relapse in Patients of Alcohol Dependence: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND:

As per NMHS, 2015-16, the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is 4.7%, while the treatment gap for the same is 86.3%. Relapse rates in patients of AUD can vary from 3-90%. Studies have shown that SMS reminders can work as a simple yet cost-effective tool to deliver healthcare services in low resource settings.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Given the significant treatment gap in alcohol use disorder and limited healthcare resources, it is crucial to leverage available tools, especially technology, in creative, cost-effective, and impactful ways, particularly in low- to middle-income settings.

Research shows that SMS based interventions could improve treatment outcomes in patients with AUD. Few studies in India have explored mobile interventions, mostly targeting hazardous alcohol use. Research is needed to assess the effectiveness of SMS-based support in alcohol dependence

OBJECTIVE

To compare time to relapse in patients with alcohol dependence receiving mobile messages and treatment-as-usual with those receiving only treatment-as-usual

METHODOLOGY

After recruitment, patients will be randomly allocated to one of the two groups, the intervention or the control group. Randomization will be done in blocks of four. Patients in the intervention group will receive 2 messages per week, whereas patients in the control group will receive one message every 15 days. The content of the messages sent to the two groups will be different. Patients in both the treatment arms will receive the treatment as usual as well. Patients will be assessed at 1, 2 and 3 months after recruitment to the study.