Using mobile breathalyzers to monitor alcohol use and intimate partner violence in young adults
Official title: Integrating Remote Breath Alcohol Monitoring into Ecological Momentary Assessment of Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Violence among Young Adult Drinkers
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10930929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using mobile breathalyzers and smartphone surveys can help young adults track their drinking habits and see how it relates to intimate partner violence, so we can better support those who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030858-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adult drinkers, particularly college students, who may experience or perpetrate intimate partner violence related to alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not involved in intimate partner relationships may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mobile breathalyzers can be used alongside smartphone surveys to monitor alcohol consumption and its relationship with intimate partner violence (IPV) among young adult drinkers. By capturing real-time data on breath alcohol content, the study aims to provide a more accurate assessment of alcohol use compared to traditional self-reports. This innovative approach seeks to enhance interventions for alcohol-related IPV by identifying critical drinking periods and enabling timely support for individuals at risk. Participants will engage with technology that links breathalyzer readings to their smartphone assessments, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their drinking behaviors in natural settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for preventing alcohol-related intimate partner violence among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of mobile breathalyzers in this context is novel, similar approaches in alcohol monitoring have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brem, Meagan Jacquelyn — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Brem, Meagan Jacquelyn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
Healthy Communities for Youth: Preventing Youth Violence in Richmond and Beyond
A community-centered program to reduce youth violence in Richmond, VA and similar communities by pairing youth voices, hospital-based support, and capacity-building for local groups.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Center for Youth Equity: A Community Path to Prevent Youth Violence
A Tulane-led effort partners with communities to reduce youth violence by addressing racism, strengthening local youth voices, and building sustainable prevention strategies.
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.