2023-10-13 17:07:51
The “Smaart” application stands out for its ability to raise awareness and offer practical tools, thus demonstrating its effectiveness in a scientific way. It thus adds to the range of existing means of prevention.
“Alcohol and you, what does that mean? » It is with this question that the “Smaart” application challenges young people as soon as they arrive on its home page. Its aim is to encourage reflection on alcohol consumption habits. Dr. Nicolas Bertholet, assistant doctor in the Addiction Medicine Department of the Vaud University Hospital Center (CHUV), underlines the importance of becoming aware of one’s own consumption: “It is essential that young people ask themselves questions: where am I in? How does my consumption compare to that of others? The goal is really to create awareness, which, if necessary, can lead to behavioral changes. The app doesn’t dictate what to do, but it does suggest assessing your own situation. »
The “Smaart” application was developed by the CHUV Addiction Medicine Department, in collaboration with students from the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL), the Hotel School of Lausanne (EHL), and the Haute École de santé Vaud (HESAV). The creators of the application also want it to serve as a basis for comparing one’s consumption with that of others.
Comparison as a tool for reflection:
Comparison with others encourages you to think regarding your own consumption. Dr. Bertholet explains: “The more we drink, the more we tend to think that others drink a lot, and the more we think that others drink, the more alcohol we consume. » This phenomenon can lead young people into a vicious circle of increasing consumption. This is why evaluation and comparison are essential concepts.
“The application was designed in a fun way. For example, you can take photos of your friends, and the app will randomly designate who will not drink alcohol and be designated as a sober driver,” explains Dr. Bertholet.
In addition to this, the application allows you to monitor your consumption to observe its evolution and to calculate your blood alcohol level during a festive evening. It is also possible to set consumption goals, possibly with friends, and to be virtually rewarded when these goals are achieved.
Health information:
The app also offers health information, including different types of drinks, their alcohol content and the recommended number of drinks. It also offers information on which professionals to turn to in case of difficulties. The application addresses health problems linked to alcohol consumption in an offbeat tone, perfectly suited to its target audience (15-25 year olds). “At the end of the evaluation, for example, we provide an equivalence in hamburgers,” explains Dr. Bertholet. This comparison attracts the attention of young people, while reminding us that it is important not to forget that alcoholic drinks are often rich in sugar, very caloric, and therefore harmful to health. “This may encourage those who are watching their weight to limit their consumption,” says Dr. Bertholet.
Source : 24heure.ch
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