Process evaluation of a smartphone app (Drink Less) for reducing alcohol consumption: engagement and behavioural mechanisms of action (iDEAS trial)

Abstract This is a process evaluation of a large UK-based randomised controlled trial (RCT) (n = 5,602) evaluating the effectiveness of recommending an alcohol reduction app, Drink Less, compared with usual digital care in reducing alcohol consumption in increasing and higher risk drinkers. The aim was to understand whether participants’ engagement (‘self-reported adherence’) and behavioural characteristics were mechanisms of action underpinning the effectiveness of Drink Less. Self-reported adherence with both digital tools was over 70% (Drink Less: 78.0%, 95% CI = 77.6–78.4; usual digital care: 71.5%, 95% CI = 71.0-71.9). Self-reported adherence to the intervention (average causal mediation effect [ACME]=-0.250, 95% CI=-0.42, -0.11) and self-monitoring behaviour (ACME=-0.235, 95% CI=-0.44, -0.03) both mediated the effect of the intervention (versus comparator) on alcohol reduction. Following the recommendation (self-reported adherence) and the tracking (self-monitoring behaviour) feature of the Drink Less app appear to be important mechanisms of action for alcohol reduction among increasing and higher risk drinkers.