Using Wireless Handheld Computers and Tailored Text Messaging to Reduce Negative Consequences of Drinking Alcohol *‪.‬

HEAVY EPISODIC DRINKING AMONG college students is a serious problem in the United States (Wechsler et al., 2000). Among other suggestions, the Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2002) suggested developing effective uses of computer-based technologies to reach this group. Wireless devices such as handheld computers may be one effective way to administer brief interventions, particularly regarding sensitive behaviors (Bernhardt et al., 2001; Hanscom et al., 2002). There are few published studies of using handheld computers for interventions. The trial described in this article used handheld computers with wireless capabilities to impact college students' alcohol-related behaviors. Specifically, the trial assessed whether it is feasible to deliver tailored health messages on a daily basis via wireless handheld computers, whether these messages were effective to promote changes in alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors, and whether receiving messages impacted survey adherence.