Predictors of completion and outcomes of a 1-month alcohol abstinence campaign in Belgium.

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to identify predictors of successful completion of a 1-month alcohol abstinence period (OMAAP) in Belgium and to assess a potential rebound effect in alcohol consumption following the campaign (i.e. an increase in alcohol consumption relative to precampaign levels). Additionally, it explored whether participants' expectations regarding the benefits of OMAAP were met.

Methods: A short longitudinal study was conducted with participants of the Belgian OMAAP, "La Tournée Minérale," in 2023 and 2024. A total of 128 participants completed questionnaires assessing alcohol consumption, drinking refusal self-efficacy (DRSE), positive alcohol expectancies (i.e. positive expectancies and beliefs about the effects of alcohol consumption), and expectations about OMAAP benefits at three time points: before (N = 172), immediately after (N = 132), and 1-month post-campaign (N = 128).

Results: Positive alcohol expectancies significantly predicted the likelihood of successfully completing OMAAP. Participants with higher positive alcohol expectancies were less likely to complete the abstinence period. Alcohol consumption decreased significantly 1 month after OMAAP for all participants, with no evidence of a rebound effect. DRSE did not significantly change over time. Participants' expectations regarding benefits such as sleep improvement and weight loss were generally unmet, while expectations for alcohol dependency reduction and money savings were exceeded.

Conclusions: Positive alcohol expectancies were significant predictors of OMAAP completion. The campaign effectively reduced alcohol consumption without a rebound effect, highlighting its potential as a public health strategy. However, managing participants' expectations about the benefits of abstinence might enhance their experience and outcomes.