Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment compared with treatment as usual for alcohol use in an integrated refugee settlement in Zambia: a hybrid, type 1, randomised controlled trial.
M Claire Greene, Henry Loongo, Kristina Metz et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for reducing alcohol use among Congolese refugees and Zambian host community members in Zambia. The study found that the SBIRT group had a significantly greater reduction in AUDIT scores at 6 months compared to the treatment as usual group, with a mean difference of -4.6.
Key findings
- AUDIT scores decreased by -12.6 in the SBIRT group compared to -8.1 in the treatment as usual group at 6 months.
- The mean change in AUDIT scores was significantly greater in the SBIRT group than in the treatment as usual group at 6 months (p<0.0001).
- The incremental cost per improvement in AUDIT at 6 months was US$158.
- 299 (75%) of participants completed the 6-month assessment.
Why it matters
This study highlights the potential of SBIRT as an effective intervention for reducing alcohol use in low-resource and humanitarian settings, addressing a significant public health issue. Its integration into health policies could enhance care for vulnerable populations.