Peer‐led alcohol intervention for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to assess the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a brief, peer‐led alcohol intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in binge‐drinking Spanish nursing students. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 first‐year nursing students who were randomly assigned either a 50‐min peer‐led motivational intervention with individual feedback or a control condition. Primary outcomes for testing the preliminary efficacy were alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences. Quantitative and content analyses of open‐ended survey questions were performed. Participants in the intervention condition significantly reduced binge‐drinking episodes, peak blood alcohol content, and consequences compared to the control group. Principal facilitators were completing the questionnaire during the academic schedule and providing tailored feedback through a graphic report. The main barrier was the unreliability of students' initial commitment. The findings suggest that a brief motivational intervention could be effective for reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related consequences in Spanish college students. Peer counselors and participants reported high satisfaction, indicating that the intervention is feasible. However, a full trial should be conducted taking into account the identified barriers and facilitators.