The predictive value of participant subgroups in a temporary alcohol abstinence challenge: compliance with abstinence and changes in drinking behaviour.

Introduction: Dividing participants of Temporary alcohol Abstinence Challenges (TACs) into subgroups can improve intervention effectiveness by identifying individuals who require extra support. In a previous study, participant subgroups were identified based on determinants of behaviour change, including drinking refusal self-efficacy, craving, and behavioural automaticity. However, the predictive value of these subgroups for TAC success remains unknown. This study examined their predictive value for (i) abstinence during a TAC and (ii) changes in drinking behaviour.

Methods: Data were analysed from 1800 Dutch TAC participants who completed baseline and eight-month follow-up questionnaires. Binary logistic regression assessed the effect of subgroup on abstinence. Ordinal and binary logistic regressions within Generalized Estimating Equation models examined subgroup effects on drinking behaviour changes, including drinking frequency, glasses per drinking day, and excessive volumes.

Results: TAC subgroups differed in abstinence and in changes in drinking frequency and glasses per drinking day on weekdays. 'Habitual drinkers with perceived control to refuse' and 'drinkers in control' were more likely to abstain during the challenge than 'ordinary drinkers', whereas 'drinkers not in control' were less likely to abstain. 'Drinkers in control' showed smaller reductions in drinking frequency and glasses per drinking day on weekdays compared with 'ordinary drinkers'. No significant differences were found in changes in excessive drinking volumes and glasses per drinking day on weekends.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the predictive value of subgroups for abstinence but found limited predictive value for changes in drinking behaviour after the challenge. Future research could explore personalized support to optimize behaviour change.