Development and Evaluation of a Theory and Evidence-based Intervention to Reduce Hazardous Alcohol Consumption Among Treatment Seeking Smokers

This study will evaluate the implementation of a fully automated, direct-to-patient digital alcohol intervention embedded within the STOP Program's patient portal. The STOP Program is a large-scale, population-based smoking cessation initiative operating in over 300 primary care settings across Ontario. It provides free nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support through a digital portal that facilitates patient self-enrollment and systematic data collection. As part of this study, patients who score ≥8 on the AUDIT-C will be offered the opportunity to view a brief intervention (BI). Those with an AUDIT-C score ≥10 will receive a cautionary message along with tailored content designed to help reduce hazardous drinking.

The intervention was developed based on a rapid review (PROSPERO: CRD42023445492) and a Delphi consensus process using the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V1. Key components include personalized feedback, normative comparisons, reflective prompts, and actionable behaviour change strategies. For patients scoring above a clinical threshold, additional messaging encourages caution regarding abrupt cessation and suggests consulting a healthcare provider.

Our primary outcome is acceptance of the new online resource.