The study analysed the first 13 months of app usage data including 119,713 users and in-depth interviews with 21 users.
Key findings from the evaluation include
- People who consistently engaged with the app over time self-reported alcohol consumption levels reduced by on average 3-5 units, with most change occurring in the first week of usage.
- There was a high level of drop out after one week and users who engaged for longer with the app tended to be high risk drinkers who reported being motivated to reduce drinking.
- In-depth interviews suggested that the app would benefit from greater personalisation and tailoring to promote longer term use.
- Overall, the evaluation found that the Drinkaware app is a useful tool to support behaviour change in individuals who are already motivated and committed to reducing their alcohol consumption.
Read the blog by the evaluation authors
Read the paper published in BMC Public Health
Find out more about the Drinkaware app and how to download it.