The feasibility of conducting longitudinal, quantitative research within and about a managed alcohol program for men in Scotland, UK

Abstract

Background Managed alcohol programs (MAPs) are a harm reduction intervention for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence. Research on MAPs can be challenging. Scotland’s first MAP, a male-only service, opened in Glasgow in 2021. This paper aims to describe the feasibility of conducting longitudinal quantitative data collection including recruitment, retention, and questionnaire applicability. Methods We recruited 10 MAP residents and 10 matched controls to complete questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months on alcohol dependence, mental and physical health, quality of life, and social support. Results Recruitment was feasible for this population. Retention was more challenging, particularly in the control group (50% loss vs 25% in MAP), requiring intensive researcher input. Problems with the standardized questionnaires included scoring, literal interpretation of time-referenced questions, and relevance. Some controls were a poor match to MAP in terms of treatment goals. Conclusion This paper demonstrates that research on MAPs is needed but can be methodologically complex. The small size of MAP facilities, high attrition, difficulty in appropriate comparison groups, and limits of measures due to retention difficulties are a challenge for fully powered studies. Future research should prioritize mixed-methods designs, explore mechanisms to recruit and retain, and develop context-sensitive outcome measurement tools.