Use of real-time interactive voice response in a study of stress and alcohol consumption.
BACKGROUND
The goal of this study was to investigate whether Interactive Voice Response is a technology with which to perform real-time assessments of alcohol consumption and stress.


METHODS
Fifteen subjects (men and women) were recruited from a previous 4-year intervention study (n = 2,032). The Interactive Voice Response technique was based on mobile telephones. During 1 week, stress and alcohol were measured automatically 3 times daily. In addition, the subjects called the system at the start of the drinking session, and an automated hourly contact was established for the drinking period.


RESULTS
Of the data collection calls, 305 (97%) were answered. Real-time drinking was assessed 9 times of 9 (100%). The average length of the IVR assessment was only 28 seconds because of modified technology. Individuals with an estimated blood alcohol concentration above 0.1% under-reported drinking in their day-after reports by between 1 and 10 drinks. The same subjects had more pronounced stress reduction than those with lower BAC levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Interactive Voice Response methodology offers a promising new technology for daily as well as real-time assessments.
Andersson
Claes
C
Clinical Alcohol Research, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden. claes.andersson@med.lu.se
Söderpalm Gordh
Anna H V
AH
Berglund
Mats
M
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000191:economics; D003199:Computer Systems; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000431:Ethanol; D006854:Hydrocortisone