Social media–based psychosocial support to help adult women reduce alcohol use
Official title: Social Media Psychosocial Support Group to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in Women: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07381868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at adult women who drink at risky levels, this study tests a mobile–based program with brief counseling, real-time prompts, and a social media support group to see if it can lower alcohol consumption.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07381868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult women (18+) who score 3 or higher on AUDIT-C, able to read Chinese and use an instant messaging app weekly, and not currently receiving psychiatric or psychological treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe alcohol dependence or active psychiatric treatment may not benefit from this intervention as designed.
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 will compare a proactive mHealth intervention to a brief counseling and health education control in adult women in Hong Kong who are at-risk drinkers. Participants will receive brief psychological counseling, ecological momentary assessment prompts, and access to a social media psychosocial support group, with follow-ups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The study uses a 1:1 allocation with permuted block sizes and blinded assessors to evaluate changes in alcohol use, anxiety, depression, stress, and family well-being. Data will be collected via telephone surveys, with in-depth interviews for the intervention group to explore experiences with EMA and the social media group. Outcomes include differences in alcohol consumption and psychosocial measures between groups over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced alcohol use and improved mental well-being through ongoing social support and just-in-time counseling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests social media and mHealth supports can aid behavior change in alcohol use, but this specific combination in Hong Kong is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult women (age 18+), * Had a total score ≥3 in AUDIT-C \[suggesting at-risk drinkers (i.e., binge drinking)\]( potential distress symptoms), * Able to read and understand Chinese and use an instant messaging app weekly Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are undergoing psychiatric/psychological treatment
Where it's running
-
School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 18/F, Metro South Tower 1, 39 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 999077
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shengzhi Zhao
- Email: lubabezz@connect.hku.hk
- Phone: +852 6561 4500
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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.