Identifying Behavior Change Techniques for Digital Interventions Addressing Alcohol and Tobacco Co-Use: Findings From a Delphi Consensus Study.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol and tobacco use frequently co-occur and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Despite the well-established benefits of addressing both behaviors simultaneously, health care professionals often face substantial challenges in delivering integrated interventions, including limited time, training, and resources. Digital health interventions offer a promising avenue to directly support patients in reducing alcohol and tobacco use, while bypassing some of the barriers encountered in clinical settings. However, there is a lack of consensus on the key behavior change techniques (BCTs) that must be incorporated to ensure that interventions are evidence based and contextually appropriate, making them effective.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to identify expert opinions on the most suitable and effective BCTs (reflecting both behavioral relevance and delivery feasibility) to be included in a 1-time, self-guided digital intervention intended to initiate behavior change and support alcohol reduction among people trying to quit smoking.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-round modified Delphi study with 14 panelists with expertise in behavioral science, alcohol and tobacco treatment, and digital interventions. Panelists rated 20 BCTs identified in a previous rapid review using the acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity (APEASE) criteria. BCTs were deemed "appropriate" if at least 70% (n=10) of panelists agreed on all criteria.

RESULTS

Six BCTs were identified as appropriate for implementation: goal setting, action planning (individualized change plan), action planning (reduction strategies), feedback on behavior, reattribution, and pros and cons. These BCTs were considered effective for promoting behavior change through structured planning and personalized strategies. The panel reached partial consensus on several BCTs, while 8 BCTs were deemed inappropriate for a 1-time, unsupervised digital intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study offer a consensus-based view, reflecting expert opinion on the perceived appropriateness and feasibility of the BCTs that should be included in a 1-time digital intervention to address co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use.