Research conducted at University of Missouri has provided new information about clinical trial research.(Clinical report)

"It is estimated that 6 million women in the United States misuse alcohol. Of that number, many live in rural areas and face numerous barriers to treatment," researchers in the United States report (see also Clinical Trial Research).

"The World Wide Web has the potential to help such individuals overcome these barriers. In light of emergent findings supporting the effectiveness of online alcohol treatment services for women, a randomized pilot study was conducted to evaluate a Web-based, self-guided alcohol treatment program. Eligible women were randomized to standard care or an online treatment program. Web-based treatment components included gender-specific reference modules and decision making modules, an asynchronous bulletin board, and a synchronous chat feature. The average age of the participants (N = 44) was 50 (SD = 11 years), and their baseline Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score was 18 (SD = 6), with 8 being the cut-off score for problem drinking," wrote D. Finfgeldconnett and colleagues, University of Missouri.

The researchers concluded: "At 3-month follow up, both treatment groups decreased their drinking; however, ...