The IPRU has conducted three randomised controlled trials of electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) in the university student health service. This intervention, which takes 10 minutes to deliver, was found to produce a reduction in unhealthy alcohol use lasting for at least 12 months. A trial of e-SBI conducted at an Australian university showed that e-SBI was effective when administered pro-actively, i.e., on the basis of invitations to participate in screening delivered by e-mail. This approach creates an opportunity for broad implementation but it was not known whether it was effective across a range of campus settings and among both Māori and non-Māori students in New Zealand.

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of e-SBI at multiple universities for Māori and non-Māori university students.

Investigators: Kypros Kypri, Jim McCambridge, John Cunningham, Hank Weiss

Funding: Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand

Progress: Funding was obtained, a research assistant recruited, a trial protocol and a specification of the web instrument were produced, and consultation was undertaken with universities.