Text messages to reduce problem drinking among U.S. Air Force technical trainees
The effectiveness of text-based messaging strategies for preventing subsequent problematic alcohol use among technical trainees in the U.S. Air force
This project uses supportive text messages to help prevent future problem drinking in U.S. Air Force technical trainees.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would be an adult U.S. Air Force technical trainee who may receive short, automated text messages after training that remind you about safer drinking, consequences, and coping strategies. The research will compare different text-message approaches (and likely usual care) and follow participants over time using brief surveys and military records to track drinking and alcohol-related incidents. Participation typically involves consenting, providing a phone number, and completing periodic short follow-up questionnaires. The team builds on a previously used group brief alcohol intervention and aims to strengthen its effects by adding ongoing messaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adult (21+) U.S. Air Force technical trainees who are willing to receive text messages and complete brief follow-up surveys.
Not a fit: People under 21, civilian/non-military individuals, or those who already need intensive addiction treatment are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower future alcohol-related incidents and reduce harmful drinking among Air Force trainees.
How similar studies have performed: Brief alcohol interventions have reduced harmful drinking in young adults and a prior Air Force group-based BAI reduced alcohol-related incidents by about 16%, while text-message approaches are promising but less established in military trainees.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiseman, Kara P — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Wiseman, Kara P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.