A community-based protective behavioral strategies program for hazardous alcohol use among middle-aged men in rural Vietnam: A randomized controlled trial
Trieu Van Nhat, , , , Jul-2026, In: Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 63, 152182, p. 1-10
Overview
Abstract:
Background: Hazardous alcohol use (HAU) is common among men in low- and middle-income countries and contributes substantial harm. This study evaluated a culturally adapted group intervention combining protective behavioral strategies (PBS), brief intervention, and skills training to reduce alcohol use among rural Vietnamese men.
Methods: In a two-arm randomized controlled trial in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, 104 men aged 35–44 with HAU (AUDIT 8–15) were randomized to a five-session group intervention (n = 52) or usual care (n = 52). Weekly alcohol consumption and drinking frequency were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months; alcohol-related problems and intention to drink were measured at baseline and 3 months. Analyses followed the intention-totreat principle using linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations with sensitivity analyses.
Results: Follow-up at 3 months was 94.2% (98/104 participants). Weekly alcohol consumption decreased
significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group (Group × Time interaction: β = - 23.26, 95% CI: - 38.10 to - 8.50, p = .002). No significant intervention effects were observed for drinking frequency (β = - 0.09, 95% CI: - 0.27 to 0.10, p = .368) or alcohol-related problems (β = 1.31, 95% CI: - 1.33 to 3.95, p = .327). The intervention reduced odds of higher intention-to-drink scores over time (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.92, p < .001). Sensitivity analyses were consistent.
Conclusion: The culturally adapted PBS-based group intervention reduced alcohol consumption and intention to drink among middle-aged rural Vietnamese men with HAU. Trials with attention-matched controls are needed.
Methods: In a two-arm randomized controlled trial in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, 104 men aged 35–44 with HAU (AUDIT 8–15) were randomized to a five-session group intervention (n = 52) or usual care (n = 52). Weekly alcohol consumption and drinking frequency were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months; alcohol-related problems and intention to drink were measured at baseline and 3 months. Analyses followed the intention-totreat principle using linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations with sensitivity analyses.
Results: Follow-up at 3 months was 94.2% (98/104 participants). Weekly alcohol consumption decreased
significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group (Group × Time interaction: β = - 23.26, 95% CI: - 38.10 to - 8.50, p = .002). No significant intervention effects were observed for drinking frequency (β = - 0.09, 95% CI: - 0.27 to 0.10, p = .368) or alcohol-related problems (β = 1.31, 95% CI: - 1.33 to 3.95, p = .327). The intervention reduced odds of higher intention-to-drink scores over time (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.92, p < .001). Sensitivity analyses were consistent.
Conclusion: The culturally adapted PBS-based group intervention reduced alcohol consumption and intention to drink among middle-aged rural Vietnamese men with HAU. Trials with attention-matched controls are needed.
Keyword(s): Hazardous alcohol use Protective behavioral strategies Randomized controlled trial Harm reduction Vietnam
| Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
| Journal | Archives of Psychiatric Nursing |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue number | 152182 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul-2026 |
| ISBN | 0883-9417 |