Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

The effectiveness of text-based messaging strategies for preventing subsequent problematic alcohol use among technical trainees in the U.S. Air force

Award Number: R01AA029074
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/12/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

The effectiveness of text-based messaging strategies for preventing subsequent problematic alcohol use among technical trainees in the U.S. Air force - Episodic heavy or binge drinking and the associated health and social consequences are substantial public health concerns, with a high prevalence among young adults. This is particularly true among US military personnel. While alcohol consumption in the US military is very high and normative, there is zero tolerance for getting in legal trouble while drinking, and Airmen who do get in alcohol-related legal trouble (e.g., DUI, sexual assault) typically receive what is called an Alcohol Related Incident (ARI). In other populations, Brief Alcohol Interventions (BAIs) for alcohol misuse have been validated as efficacious with robust evidence for mostly college young adults who report episodic heavy drinking. Many BAI studies have targeted young adults who drink hazardously; these individuals are generally not interested in abstaining from alcohol, but are often willing to decrease the amount they drink or change the manner in which they drink in order to reduce harmful consequences. We have previously published1 the results of a BAI group- based intervention that has been shown to reduce ARIs universally (not in just high risk drinkers) in over 150,000 on average by 16%. Since we began in 2010, the BAI has been disseminated to most Airmen in Technical (Advanced) Training in the USAF. However, it is clear that additional research is needed to enhance the efficacy of our BAI intervention and to reduce the risk associated with problem drinking behavior. One such strategy that could improve health promotion outcomes is well timed and tailored automated text messages. Building on our preliminary study where text messages reduced driving after drinking as well as total drinks consumed before driving (See Previous Work), text messaging may be highly effective as the precise time that Airmen gain access to alcohol (when they are allowed off base for the first time) is known and is the same time for all Airmen. One of the challenges to conducting alcohol research in the military is the lack of privileged communication. As a result, it is difficult to obtain valid self-reports due to a tendency to deny or minimize use. Fortunately, we have recently validated a method developed by our research team for collecting anonymous data over time. We propose to conduct what is the first study in the military, as well as the first large scale, adequately powered trial, where intervention effects will be tracked out to a one year follow-up. Our findings would have strong implications for conducting research in both civilian and military populations. Thus, we propose the following Specific Aims: (1) We will randomize approximately 3000 Airmen to either the currently administered group BAI versus the BAI + Interactive Counselor Facilitated Text messages timed to occur before, during, and after Airmen have access to alcohol; and (2) To evaluate the efficacy of the intervention at a 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up using repeated anonymous surveys with unique identifiers allowing us to match up surveys while simultaneously maintaining anonymity.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $585,038 )
2026	2026	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	5	8/13/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$585,038
														Subtotal = $585,038

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $584,008 )
2025	2025	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	002	4	9/18/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2025	2025	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	001	4	8/21/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$584,008
2025	2024	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	3	10/24/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $584,008

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $586,051 )
2024	2024	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	3	8/5/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$586,051
														Subtotal = $586,051

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $584,657 )
2023	2023	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 N EMMET ST	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	001	2	8/11/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$584,657
2023	2022	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 N EMMET ST	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	1	8/10/2023	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $584,657

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $581,689 )
2022	2022	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 N EMMET ST	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	1	9/12/2022	NEW	$581,689
														Subtotal = $581,689

Grand Total All Awards = $2,921,443

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

The effectiveness of text-based messaging strategies for preventing subsequent problematic alcohol use among technical trainees in the U.S. Air force

Award Number: R01AA029074

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/12/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer