Large language model chatbot to help people with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease cut back on drinking
Official title: A Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Alcohol Reduction Counseling in SLD Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07450144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 22, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 22, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07450144 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1\. Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above 2. Diagnosed of SLD:
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. AUDIT-C score of ≥ 3 (women) or ≥ 4 (men) 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 it's running
-
Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.