Table 5

Results of multilevel metaregression for frequency outcomes

All quantity outcomesQuantity of alcohol per unit timeQuantity of alcohol per drinking occasion
OutcomesGroup nameES (95% CI)k (n)I2 (%)p ValueES (95% CI)k (n)I2 (%)p ValueES (95% CI)k (n)I2 (%)p Value
OverallMean effect−0.15 (−0.20 to −0.11)26 (114)23−0.12 (−0.19 to −0.06)16 (38)23−0.17 (−0.23 to −0.11)15 (76)20
Overall, time-adjustedMean effect−0.16 (−0.20 to −0.11)26 (114)230.36−0.12 (−0.19 to −0.06)16 (38)240.55−0.18 (−0.24 to −0.11)15 (76)200.56
Time (month)0.002 (−0.002 to 0.005)0.002 (−0.004 to 0.007)0.001 (−0.003 to 0.006)
Setting of interventionA&E−0.11 (−0.21 to −0.005)5 (26)250.54−0.13 (−0.26 to −0.0002)4 (12)280.41−0.11 (−0.22 to 0.01)3 (14)200.25
Ambulatory or primary care−0.18 (−0.26 to −0.10)10 (40)−0.07 (−0.19 to 0.06)5 (12)−0.24 (−0.33 to −0.15)6 (28)
Hospital inpatient services−0.21 (−0.47 to 0.04)2 (2)−0.50 (−0.94 to −0.06)1 (1)−0.07 (−0.37 to 0.23)1 (1)
Non-health settings−0.08 (−0.22 to 0.06)4 (7)−0.11 (−0.32 to 0.11)2 (3)−0.06 (−0.24 to 0.13)2 (4)
University−0.21 (−0.33 to −0.08)5 (39)−0.18 (−0.36 to −0.003)4 (10)−0.21 (−0.37 to −0.05)3 (29)
ProviderCounsellor/mental health clinician−0.11 (−0.17 to −0.04)14 (73)230.17−0.12 (−0.22 to −0.02)9 (25)320.73−0.12 (−0.20 to −0.05)9 (48)180.07
Different providers−0.24 (−0.52 to 0.03)1 (1)−0.25 (−0.56 to 0.07)1 (1)NA
Physician−0.13 (−0.22 to −0.04)10 (30)−0.03 (−0.19 to 0.13)6 (8)−0.18 (−0.28 to −0.07)5 (22)
Nurse−0.19 (−0.31 to −0.07)7 (22)−0.20 (−0.31 to 0.01)4 (5)−0.17 (−0.31 to −0.02)3 (17)
Peer intervention−0.06 (−0.27 to 0.13)2 (3)−0.08 (−0.31 to 0.16)2 (3)NA
ContentBrief advice−0.08 (−0.26 to 0.09)3 (7)290.480.17 (−0.11 to 0.44)2 (4)260.10−0.23 (−0.44 to −0.02)2 (3)260.52
Motivational interviewing−0.15 (−0.21 to −0.08)15 (58)−0.15 (−0.23 to −0.06)9 (20)−0.14 (−0.23 to −0.06)9 (38)
Motivational interviewing plus−0.19 (−0.27 to −0.11)11 (49)−0.13 (−0.24 to −0.03)7 (14)−0.21 (−0.31 to −0.11)6 (35)
  • k is the number of studies, n is the number of effect sizes, p is the value from a multiparameter Wald test of coefficients. Models for setting, provider and content include mean-centred time as a covariate, but not in the multiparameter Wald test.

  • A&E, accident and emergency; ES, effect size; NA, not available.