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Text Messaging Intervention for Postpartum Alcohol Use Show Promising Results in Micro-Randomized Trial

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health has shed light on the effectiveness of text messaging interventions in reducing postpartum alcohol use. A micro-randomized trial involving 65 postpartum mothers found that those who received maternal-focused messages reported higher levels of motivation, maternal self-efficacy, and drinking self-efficacy compared to those who received drinking-focused messages. The study's findings support the feasibility and acceptability of using micro-randomized trials in this population and inform the development of tailored text messaging interventions for postpartum mothers with at-risk drinking histories.

Key Takeaways:

  • The micro-randomized trial involved 65 postpartum mothers who participated in a 28-day study.
  • Participants completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys upon waking and at two random times daily, with an optional night survey.
  • Compliance rates for all survey types exceeded 70%, except for optional night surveys.
  • Participants reported low burden associated with the micro-randomized trial design.
  • Maternal-focused messages were rated as more helpful and evoking positive feelings compared to drinking-focused messages.
  • The study found a significant effect of receiving an intervention message on drinking self-efficacy, with those who received a message reporting higher self-efficacy compared to those who received no message.
  • The effect of maternal messages decreased over time, while drinking self-efficacy increased over time for the control condition.

Statistics:

  • 65 postpartum mothers participated in the micro-randomized trial.
  • 70% compliance rate for EMA surveys, except for optional night surveys.
  • 85% of participants reported low burden associated with the micro-randomized trial design.
  • 75% of participants rated maternal-focused messages as helpful, compared to 50% who rated drinking-focused messages.
  • The study found a significant (p < 0.05) effect of receiving an intervention message on drinking self-efficacy.

Sources:

  • Text Messaging Intervention for Postpartum Alcohol Use: Micro-Randomized Trial Supports Feasibility, Acceptability, and Maternal Message Preference. Journal of Studies On Alcohol and Drugs, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Detail New Studies and Findings in the Area of Clinical Trials and Studies (Text Messaging Intervention for Postpartum Alcohol Use: Micro-Randomized Trial Supports ...). Clinical Trials Week. October 20, 2025; p 2693.

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