Using smartwatches to predict binge drinking in first-year college students
Official title: Smartwatch-based predictors of binge drinking onset in first-year college students: A prospective study
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11070075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smartwatches can help spot early signs of binge drinking in first-year college students by tracking things like sleep, activity levels, and heart rate, so we can find ways to prevent problems before they start.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,019 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA032186-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are first-year college students who are under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in college or are over the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how smartwatches can help identify early signs of binge drinking among first-year college students. By monitoring health behaviors such as sleep patterns and physical activity, as well as physiological indicators like heart rate variability, the study aims to detect risk factors for binge drinking before they lead to harmful consequences. Participants will wear smartwatches that collect data over time, allowing researchers to analyze trends and patterns associated with binge drinking onset. The goal is to develop effective prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that reduce binge drinking and its associated risks among college students.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on binge drinking and health behaviors, this approach using smartwatches to predict binge drinking onset is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Himelein-Wachowiak, Mckenzie — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Himelein-Wachowiak, Mckenzie
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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.