A PPG Sensor-Based Feedback Intervention for Heavy Drinking Young Adults

A Photoplethysmography Sensor-based Personalized Feedback Intervention for Heavy-drinking Young Adults Targeting Heart Rate Variability, Resting Heart Rate, and Sleep

Heavy alcohol use among young adults is a significant public health problem. Advances in technology may offer an innovative solution. This project will conduct the first controlled test of a feedback intervention for reducing drinking and improving health in young adults by targeting heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep via biosensors and electronic diary methods.

Proposed is a study to conduct the first controlled test of a feedback intervention targeting heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep for heavy-drinking young adults (N=60; ages 18-25) and will leverage the capabilities of a consumer-marketed PPG sensor/mobile app. This study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this intervention for promoting improvements in drinking, sleep, and health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-25 years of age
• Report ≥ 4 heavy drinking occasions in the past 28 days
• Report Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test- Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores indictive of risk of drinking harm
• English Speaking
• Have a personal smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sleep Disorder History
• Night/ Rotating work shift
• Travel two or more time zones in the month prior to the study or anticipated travel two or more times during study participation
• Clinically severe AUD in past 12 months
• Currently enrolled in alcohol or sleep treatment
• Current, severe psychiatric illness
• Current DSM-V substance use disorder
• Positive urine drug screen for a substance other than marijuana