No abstract

Background Smartphone applications (apps) designed to assist users to reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption show potential as an inexpensive alternative to traditional brief intervention in primary care. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on alcohol reduction apps and the availability of evidenced-based apps on top commercial app stores. Methods We reviewed literature through to December 2019 using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar and keyword search terms smartphone/mobile/phone AND application/app AND alcohol. Articles were included if the primary intervention was a smartphone app and the study measured participant changes in frequency or volume of alcohol consumption. Results 21 relevant articles were identified that evaluated 19 unique smartphone apps. Of the 19 unique apps, seven were designed for use among youth and 12 in adult populations. The available evidence for the efficacy of alcohol reduction apps among youth is inconclusive, with results from these evaluations not showing a clear benefit in reducing alcohol consumption compared to control groups. The results of apps designed for adult populations appears more promising, but results are still mixed. Of the 19 alcohol reduction apps that have been evaluated only eight of these are currently publicly available in commercial app stores. Of these eight apps, only four were demonstrated in the literature to assist with reducing alcohol consumption. Conclusion The evidence for alcohol reduction apps is promising but inconclusive. Few apps that have been evaluated in the scientific literature are currently available for download in commercial app stores.

No abstract

Introduction and Aims. Online alcohol sales have experienced rapid growth in Australia in recent years, averaging 14% annual growth over the last 5 years. This study aims to provide information about the advertised sales and delivery practices of online alcohol retailers in Australia and the potential implications for alcohol-related harm. Design and Methods. A cross-sectional website content analysis of the 65 most visited Australian alcohol delivery websites. Data extracted for content analysis from each of the included websites fell under six broad categories: product range; average prices; promotions and discounting; payment and delivery; age verification methods; and policy statements. Results. Online alcohol retailers offer a variety of alcohol products cheaply, with around 20% selling a 750 mL bottle of wine for under AUD$5. Most (81.5%) offered discounts for purchasing greater quantities and (89.2%) offered visitors an opportunity to sign up to receive discounts and promotions directly via email. Concerningly, 13.8% of websites allowed customers to purchase alcohol using a 'buy now, pay later' scheme such as AfterPay or Zip Pay. Delivery in under two hours was available from 12% of retailers. Most retailers (75.4%) advertised a willingness to leave alcohol unattended at an address. Discussion and Conclusions. Online alcohol retailers offer a variety of alcohol products cheaply, accompanied by heavy promotions and discounting. Most retailers advertise a willingness to leave alcohol unattended at an address without having verified the purchasers age, which raises concerns about access to minors. Improved regulation of this growing industry in Australia is required.[Colbert S, Thornton L, Richmond R. Content analysis of websites selling alcohol online in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020;39: [162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169]