title: The DYD-RCT protocol: an on-line randomised controlled trial of an interactive computer-based intervention compared with a standard information website to reduce alcohol consumption among hazardous drinkers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health problem throughout the world. Although there are a range of effective interventions to help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption, these have little proven population-level impact. Researchers internationally are looking at the potential of Internet interventions in this area.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a two-arm randomised controlled trial, an on-line psychologically enhanced interactive computer-based intervention is compared with a flat, text-based information web-site. Recruitment, consent, randomisation and data collection are all on-line. The primary outcome is total past-week alcohol consumption; secondary outcomes include hazardous or harmful drinking, dependence, harm caused by alcohol, and mental health. A health economic analysis is included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This trial will provide information on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an on-line intervention to help heavy drinkers drink less.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN31070347.
authors.affiliation: E-health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University College London, Highgate Hill, London N19 5LW, UK. elizabeth.murray@pcps.ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCambridge
authors.forename: Zarnie
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Khadjesari
authors.forename: Ian R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Simon G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Godfrey
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Linke
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface