Ocena użyteczności aplikacji E-POP jako terapeutycznego programu ograniczania picia alkoholu w dobie pandemii SARS-COV-2

Objectives: The aim of the study was an evaluation of the E-POP application performed by the users of this therapeutic program supporting the reduction of alcohol consumption in the time of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: 1854 E-POP users (1058 males and 796 females, average age was 38,78 years) were enrolled in the study. Users interested in participation in the E-POP program, anonymously logged in and accepted the regulations and appropriate consents related to data processing. 503 participants registered for the therapy. The final evaluation of a full/ complete E-POP programme was performer by 37 people. Methods: The demographic characteristics of the E-POP users (gender, age, number of participants at every stage of the application) were described and the evaluation of the E-POP application in five categories made by the users who completed the 11-week therapeutic program in the period from March 2020 to march 2021 was presented. Results: Out of the total number of 1854 E-POP users who took part in a „diagnostic and informative” stage of E-POP program, 27% of users registered for therapeutic work in the „time for a change” stage. Participants (n = 38) who completed the several-month E-POP program assessed the application in terms of five dimensions. The results of the program evaluation indicated the highest rating in terms of expanding knowledge and skills in reducing alcohol drinking dimension (4,3/5), as well as the willingness to recommend E-POP program to others (4,27/5). The remaining ratings oscillated around 4/5. Males and females did not differ significantly in assessing the E-POP usefulness in alcohol consumption reduction. Conclusions: Nearly 30% of E-POP users who took part in a „diagnostic and informative” stage of E-POP program logged in to the next „time for a change” stage. The application was well rated by users, indicating great satisfaction and benefits from using the program. The EPOP application is a useful tool supporting work on reducing alcohol consumption, especially in the conditions of limited availability of therapeutic assistance during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.