Measuring alcohol consumption while watching sport events: a feasibility and validity study comparing ecological momentary assessments and transdermal alcohol monitors

Background: This feasibility and validity study aimed to evaluate and compare ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys and transdermal SCRAM-CAM monitors to measure drinking while watching Australian Rules Football (AFL). Methods: During 29 events, 13 participants wore a SCRAM-CAM monitor while completing EMA surveys. Correspondence in the alcohol levels detected and correlation between the self-reported drinks and transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) were measured. An exit survey assessed participant experiences. Results: Alcohol consumption was self-reported on 24 (83.3%) of 29 events, with an average of 5.0 standard drinks consumed over 2.3 hours. Correspondence in the levels of alcohol detected was good at 0.62. TAC curves showed large-sized correlations to the number of self-reported drinks (r = 0.55–0.67). Some participants noted discomfort from the SCRAM-CAM, whilst others reported annoyance completing EMA surveys during a match. Conclusions: EMA surveys are a cost effective method for collecting information on drinking as well as contexts and other factors such as harms. A clear benefit of the SCRAM-CAM is the ability to provide detailed information on intoxication trajectories. We suggest that a combination of the two methods will inform the most meaningful approaches for prevention and intervention strategies to reduce harmful drinking among sport spectators.