Working elements in interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use according to older adults: A realist evaluation

This study explored working elements (E) and mechanisms (M) in interventions within different contexts (C), contributing to the outcome (O) of reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults. Guided by a realist evaluation approach, interviews with older adults participating in interventions (N = 20) were conducted. In different contexts, several working elements were identified: (1) receiving information about alcohol and health (risks); (2) paying attention to abstinence; (3) being in contact with and receiving support from peers and relatives; (4) maintaining contact with a practitioner or peer/buddy who is always or flexibly available for communication; and (5) learning to manage drinking behavior, and one important mechanism was identified: motivation. From the older adults’ perspectives, there was a need to focus on social contact and support from peers and relatives, tracking and reflection, and motivation to reduce problematic alcohol use.