Research at HealthStreet: Smartphone Technology Effects on Alcohol Drinking Among Youths (STEADY) Study

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Binge drinking among college-aged young adults is all too common. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2013, 39 percent of college students ages 18–22 engaged in binge drinking (5 or more drinks on one occasion) in the past month compared with 33.4 percent of other persons of the same age.

Robert F. Leeman, Ph.D, an associate professor in the Department of Health Education and behavior in the University of Florida College of Human Health and Performance, is conducting a study to compare different mobile technology apps and examine young adults’ drinking behaviors. The study is discerningly titled, “Smartphone Technology Effects on Alcohol Drinking Among Youths (STEADY) Study.”

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Participants will be utilizing blood alcohol estimator application and a smartphone breathalyzer device with the purpose of evaluating the usability of these apps and the effectiveness of curbing binge drinking habits. “There is definitely a national relevance for reducing young adults’ heavy drinking behaviors,” Graduate Research Assistant Tessa Frohe said.

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Dr. Leeman and his graduate research assistants hope to use their findings to create interventions to reduce or stop excessive consumption behaviors with addictive substances.

 

“HealthStreet has been helpful in the process of conducting our study and has influenced participant involvement,” Leeman said. “We are in the beginning phases of recruitment and hope to have eligible participants come from these wonderful resources offered.”

If you’re interested in collaborating with HealthStreet, please contact our study coordinator Lauren Light at laurenmlight@ufl.edu or 352-294-4873