Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility of Mail-in, Self-Administered Dried Blood Spot Sampling in the National Alcohol Survey (A Center Pilot Study)

Pilot Director: Priscilla Martinez,  PhD

This study will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using mail-in, self-administered Dried Blood Spot (saDBS) technology as a way of collecting blood samples from people who have participated in a national, telephone-based alcohol research survey. We propose to re-contact respondents of the 2015 NAS (NAS 13) who reported alcohol use above adult drinking guidelines put forth by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

We will determine the proportion of people willing to participate in a study involving saDBS among those contacted and eligible, and observe the proportion who complete and return viable saDBS kits. We will stratify by race and gender to examine participation and completion rates by these demographics.

In order to determine the viability of the blood samples provided by the completed saDBS kits, we will test the received blood samples for immune proteins called cytokines that are associated with alcohol use and other mental health measures, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. An exploratory aim of this study is to determine associations between levels of cytokines in the blood, alcohol use, and mental health measures.