[Brief alcohol screening and intervention for college students (BASICS): A German pilot study]

Aim: To introduce a German adaptation and pilot evaluation of Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS). Methods: BASICS was modified for use in a German setting. Students from the University of Kiel were screened for alcohol-related problems. 21 students who reported that they drank in binges (five or more drinks on one occasion during the previous month) were invited to participate in a single feedback session that was based on Motivational Interviewing. Results: BASICS was shortened to a single session, and German screening instruments were used. Students evaluated the feedback session positively. At an eight-week follow-up, participants' average daily alcohol consumption had significantly reduced from 31.50 grams to 9.60 grams of pure alcohol; however, binge drinking still occurred. Conclusions: The German version of BASICS appears to be beneficial; the German version of the manual can be used to conduct the intervention. Randomised-controlled trials are needed to further examine the effectiveness of BASICS in Germany. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)