title: Randomized controlled trial of computerized alcohol intervention for college students: role of class level.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Because of their ability to reach a much wider audience than face-to-face counseling or psychoeducation, computer-delivered interventions for risky or potentially problematic use have been increasing on college campuses. However, there are very few studies that examine who benefits most from such interventions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in Alcohol-Wise, a computerized intervention, is associated with changes in alcohol drinking behavior and its consequences, perceptions of college drinking norms, and expectancies. It was hypothesized that class level (i.e. freshman/sophomore versus junior/senior) would moderate the effectiveness of Alcohol-Wise.
  
  
  METHODS
  College students (n = 58) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (i) the computer-delivered intervention or (ii) wait-list control. Measures were completed at baseline and approximately 30-days later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At follow-up, freshman and sophomore students in the intervention group showed significant reduction in peak number of standard drinks and blood alcohol concentration, but the effect was not observed for juniors and seniors. The intervention group reported more accurate estimates of drinking norms at follow-up relative to controls. There were no significant changes over time in alcohol expectancies in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides support for the potential usefulness of Alcohol-Wise intervention at reducing short-term drinking among underclassmen but not upperclassmen in a 4-year college setting. These findings suggest that computerized interventions may be more effective when provided early, but not later, in a student's college career.
authors.affiliation: a Clinical Psychology PhD Program , California School of Professional Psychology , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Ashleigh Sweet
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Strohman
authors.affiliation: a Clinical Psychology PhD Program , California School of Professional Psychology , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Sopagna Eap
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Braje
authors.affiliation: a Clinical Psychology PhD Program , California School of Professional Psychology , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Omar M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Alhassoon
authors.affiliation: b Counseling & Health Psychology Department , Bastyr University California , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shuttleworth
authors.affiliation: a Clinical Psychology PhD Program , California School of Professional Psychology , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Slyke
authors.affiliation: a Clinical Psychology PhD Program , California School of Professional Psychology , San Diego , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Sharareh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gandy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000067292:Alcohol Drinking in College / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D066262:Social Norms; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol
keywords: Computer delivered intervention; alcohol abuse treatment; alcohol use; college drinking; randomized controlled trial