Large language model chatbot to help people with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease cut back on drinking
A Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Alcohol Reduction Counseling in MetALD Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This pilot will test whether a WhatsApp-based large language model chatbot can help adults in Hong Kong with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease drink less alcohol.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07450144 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial compares an LLM-based chatbot delivered via WhatsApp in Chinese with telephone counseling and an alcohol brief intervention for adults with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) in Hong Kong. The study focuses on feasibility and acceptability by measuring uptake, retention at 3 and 6 months, participant compliance, and usability ratings, while also estimating the intervention's effect on alcohol reduction. Eligible participants are Hong Kong residents aged 18 or older with imaging-confirmed hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction who consume alcohol within the trial's specified weekly ranges and intend to reduce or quit. The chatbot incorporates behavior change techniques via mHealth to provide tailored brief support and will collect qualitative feedback on user experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hong Kong residents aged 18+ with imaging-confirmed MASLD/metabolic alcohol-related liver disease who consume alcohol within the specified weekly ranges and wish to reduce or stop drinking.
Not a fit: Patients with severe alcohol dependence, advanced liver failure, or those unable to use WhatsApp or a smartphone are unlikely to benefit from this chatbot intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chatbot could provide a low-cost, scalable way to help people with MetALD reduce drinking and potentially slow progression of liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Mobile brief interventions and digital alcohol programs have shown modest benefits, but LLM-based chatbots are a novel approach that has not been widely tested in MetALD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1\. Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above 2. Diagnosed of MASLD:
1. Evidence of hepatic steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver) confirmed by imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or liver biopsy
2. Presence of metabolic dysfunction, indicated by at least one of the following:
* Overweight or obesity (body mass index \[BMI\] ≥25 kg/m²),
* Type 2 diabetes mellitus, ③Dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides \[≥150 mg/dL\] or low high-density lipoprotein \[HDL\] cholesterol \[\<40 mg/dL for men, \<50 mg/dL for women\]), ④Hypertension (blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication).
* Metabolic syndrome as defined by established criteria (e.g., International Diabetes Federation \[IDF\], Adult Treatment Panel III \[ATP III\]) 3. Alcohol consumption: males who drink 210-420 g/week (≈263-525 ml), female who drink 140-350 g/week (≈175-438 ml) 4. Intention to reduce/quit alcohol 5. Able to read and communicate in Chinese 6. Own a smartphone with internet access
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Diagnosed with mental disease or cognitive impairments, or
2. Participating in other ongoing clinic trials
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.