"...motivational SMS text messages could provide an acceptable way to raise awareness of risky alcohol consumption for future fathers."

Int J Ment Health Addict. 2018;16(5):1125-1139. doi: 10.1007/s11469-017-9835-y. Epub 2017 Nov 28.

Alcohol Text Messages: A Developmental Study.

Robinson M1,2, Wilkinson RB3, Fletcher R4, Bruno R5, Baker AL1, Maher L6, Wroe J4, Dunlop AJ1,7,8,9.

Author information

1

1School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia.

2

12 Alfred Street, Newcastle East, New South Wales 2300 Australia.

3

3School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia.

4

4Family Action Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia.

5

5School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.

6

6The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia.

7

Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton, New South Wales Australia.

8

8Centre for Brain and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia.

9

9Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia.

Abstract

Risky paternal alcohol use is associated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy, poor fetal and infant outcomes, domestic violence and depression. This study developed 30 SMS text messages about alcohol for fathers who drink at risky levels. The text messages were developed using two motivational styles: messages presented in a second person voice and the same messages presented in a child's voice. Fifty-one fathers were recruited through social media to complete an online survey rating the SMS text messages for message importance and likelihood of seeking further information and measuring risky alcohol use and psychosocial distress. Seventeen participants then participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview. Fathers rated the text messages presented in the child's voice as more important than messages presented in the second person. Qualitative data supported survey results that motivational SMS text messages could provide an acceptable way to raise awareness of risky alcohol consumption for future fathers.