Evaluating Culturally-Adapted Digital CBT for Hispanic Individuals with AUD
Overview
This study analyzed data from two clinical trials of a culturally-adapted digital cognitive behavioral therapy program (CBT4CBT-S) for Spanish-speaking Hispanic individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Key program topics such as coping with craving, cognitive restructuring, and problem solving were significantly associated with reduced alcohol consumption. Participants also showed favorable attitudes toward modules on cognitive restructuring and decision making.
Background
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population and results in over 140,000 alcohol-related deaths annually. Hispanic individuals experience AUD at rates comparable to non-Hispanic Whites but face greater barriers to treatment access due to linguistic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Digital therapeutics like CBT4CBT-S offer a promising approach to improve treatment accessibility and efficacy for Hispanic populations. CBT4CBT-S is a culturally-adapted digital cognitive behavioral therapy program that incorporates culturally relevant content and has demonstrated efficacy as an adjunct to standard outpatient care.
Data Highlights
Program Topic
Odds Ratio (OR) for Reduced Drinking
Favorability Rating Coefficient (b)
Coping with Craving
0.48
Not reported
Cognitive Restructuring
0.73
0.14
Problem Solving
0.79
Not reported
Decision Making
Not reported
0.09
Key Findings
Completion of the coping with craving module was strongly associated with reduced alcohol consumption (OR = 0.48).
Cognitive restructuring content was linked to both decreased drinking (OR = 0.73) and higher participant favorability (b = 0.14).
Problem solving modules also correlated with lower alcohol use (OR = 0.79).
The modular format of CBT4CBT-S allows identification of the most effective treatment components for Hispanic patients with AUD.
Greater treatment effects may be observed on socially significant high-risk drinking days, such as weekends and holidays.
Clinical Implications
Culturally-adapted digital CBT programs like CBT4CBT-S can effectively reduce alcohol use among Hispanic individuals with AUD by targeting specific skills such as craving management and cognitive restructuring. Incorporating culturally relevant content and focusing on high-risk drinking periods may enhance engagement and treatment outcomes. These findings support the integration of digital therapeutics into standard outpatient care to improve accessibility and efficacy for underserved Hispanic populations.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of culturally-modified digital CBT interventions to reduce alcohol use in Hispanic individuals with AUD by emphasizing key therapeutic modules. Tailoring digital treatments to cultural and linguistic needs may improve health outcomes and treatment engagement in this underserved population.
References
NCT03474588 and NCT02043210 Clinical Trials -- Evaluating CBT4CBT-S for Hispanic Individuals with AUD
