Using mobile breathalyzers to monitor alcohol use and intimate partner violence in young adults

Integrating Remote Breath Alcohol Monitoring into Ecological Momentary Assessment of Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Violence among Young Adult Drinkers

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10930929

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930929 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adult drinkers, particularly college students, who may experience or perpetrate intimate partner violence related to alcohol use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not involved in intimate partner relationships may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Blacksburg, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.