Study Design
This article presents the findings of a single-center, open-label, randomized, parallel group study.
Participants
The eligibility criteria for participants in this study were as follows:
- At least 20 years of age
- Drinking on 4 or more days per week, with alcohol consumption of at least 40 g for men or 20 g for women on each of the days
The exclusion criteria included consumption of non-alcoholic beverages at least twice per month, past history of liver disease, current pregnancy or nursing, alcoholism, lack of consent for the use of LINE® (a messaging application widely used in Japan), and inability to understand the study explanation or answer the online survey conducted in advance.
Setting
The survey was conducted from May 2022 to January 2023. Participants were recruited through various methods, including the employee website of the University of Tsukuba, flyers, and snowball sampling. The participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control group. Briefings were held to explain the study and obtain written consent. The study procedures were carefully explained during these briefings.
Procedures
The study procedures are described in Table 1. Participants underwent interviews with physicians, measurement of height and weight, and collection of saliva samples. They were then randomized to either the intervention or control group. During the intervention period, participants in the intervention group received free non-alcoholic beverages once every 4 weeks. Both groups were asked to record their consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a drinking diary every day and submit it every 4 weeks. At the end of the study, participants received a gift card as a reward.
Intervention
During the 12-week intervention period, participants in the intervention group received free non-alcoholic beverages once every 4 weeks. They could choose from a selection of beer-flavored and cocktail-flavored products. The beverages were shipped to participants’ homes.
Measurement
The self-administered questionnaire used in the study included questions about basic attributes, drinking habits, and health-related quality of life. The Alcohol Quality of Life Scale (AQoLS) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were also used. Saliva samples were collected to examine genetic information related to alcohol metabolism.
Outcome
The primary endpoint of the study was the change in total alcohol consumption from baseline at Week 12. The consumption of non-alcoholic beverages was also measured. The correlation between changes in alcohol consumption and the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages was analyzed.
Sample Size
The necessary sample size was calculated based on a preliminary investigation. A total of 120 participants were included in the study.
Randomization and Blinding
Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control group. Blinding was not possible for the intervention group, as they were able to choose their non-alcoholic beverages. The evaluation of the drinking diary data was performed by investigators who were blinded to the group allocations.
Statistical Methods
Data analysis was conducted using appropriate statistical tests, including t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post hoc tests were also performed. The significance level was set at 5%.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Change in total alcohol consumption from baseline during the past 4 weeks at Week 12 (indicator for SDG 3.5)
- Change from baseline in the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages (indicator for SDG 12.3)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Change in total alcohol consumption from baseline during the past 4 weeks at Week 12 |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses | Change from baseline in the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages |
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Source: bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com
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