Measuring alcohol consumption while watching sport events: a feasibility and validity study comparing ecological momentary assessments and transdermal alcohol monitors

• Published in: Journal of substance use Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: van Egmond, Kelly, Anderson-Luxford, Daniel, Kuntsche, Emmanuel, Wright, Cassandra, Caluzzi, Gabriel, Pennay, Amy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.09.2024
• Subjects: Alcohol consumption; ecological momentary assessment; sport spectators; transdermal alcohol measurement
• ISSN: 1465-9891; 1475-9942
• DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2023.2199850

This feasibility and validity study aimed to evaluate and compare ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys and transdermal SCRAM-CAM monitors to measure drinking while watching Australian Rules Football (AFL). During 29 events, 13 participants wore a SCRAM-CAM monitor while completing EMA surveys. Correspondence in the alcohol levels detected and correlation between the self-reported drinks and transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) were measured. An exit survey assessed participant experiences. Alcohol consumption was self-reported on 24 (83.3%) of 29 events, with an average of 5.0 standard drinks consumed over 2.3 hours. Correspondence in the levels of alcohol detected was good at 0.62. TAC curves showed large-sized correlations to the number of self-reported drinks (r = 0.55-0.67). Some participants noted discomfort from the SCRAM-CAM, whilst others reported annoyance completing EMA surveys during a match. EMA surveys are a cost effective method for collecting information on drinking as well as contexts and other factors such as harms. A clear benefit of the SCRAM-CAM is the ability to provide detailed information on intoxication trajectories. We suggest that a combination of the two methods will inform the most meaningful approaches for prevention and intervention strategies to reduce harmful drinking among sport spectators.