Mobile app as an alternative intervention for raising awareness of alcohol-related health risks and harm

Background: In recent decades, there has been rapid development of new technologies, including specific tools such as mobile apps, which open up new opportunities for delivering health information and behaviour change interventions. Mobile technology is widely accessible, has the capacity to reach a broad audience, and can be easily and affordably downloaded [13-15]. The aim of our research was to assess whether knowledge and awareness of the risks and harms associated with alcohol can be improved with a mobile app.

Methods: Intervention was conducted using VKJ (VešKajJeš) mobile app, which enables users to scan the barcode of an alcoholic beverage and receive feedback on its labelled alcohol content and estimated energy value. At each search, eleven different health messages/warnings about the risks and harms of alcohol are also displayed randomly, rotating on the screen. A survey was conducted before and after the intervention, to assess the knowledge and awareness of the risks and harms associated with drinking alcohol. 

Results: Significant differences were found for eight of the twelve tested statements, the highest difference in awareness was found when communicating “Alcohol can cause cancer”, which was the least known risk among the study participants. The improvement was seen to a greater extent in the group of high-risk drinkers. The results also showed that the vast majority of participants (78%) who were exposed to the health messages supported mandatory labelling of alcoholic beverages with information on ingredient listing and energy value, and 72% would like to have health warnings on alcohol products. 

Conclusions: While we are waiting for the introduction of mandatory information on ingredients and nutritional information, as well as alcohol health warnings, some alternative interventions designed to raise awareness of health risks can be implemented. The use of a mobile app as in our study is one of the options that can improve consumers’ knowledge of the risks and harms related to alcohol. However, these interventions need to be supported and reinforced by other policies that influence alcohol consumption.