Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing for Alcohol Cessation among Working-Age Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Abstract
Background
Alcohol consumption among working-age men represents a major global public health challenge, contributing substantially to injuries, reduced work productivity, and chronic non-communicable diseases. Despite the availability of treatment options, this population often underutilizes formal alcohol treatment services. Motivational Interviewing (MI), a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance intrinsic motivation for behavior change, may be particularly suitable for addressing alcohol use in this group.
Objective
To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing for alcohol cessation or reduction among working-age men.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies involving men aged 18–65 years who received MI-based interventions targeting alcohol use were included. Primary outcomes were alcohol abstinence and reductions in hazardous drinking. Secondary outcomes included weekly alcohol consumption, heavy drinking days, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores. Narrative synthesis was performed, and meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted where data permitted.
Results
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were randomized controlled trials conducted in primary care and community settings. Overall, Motivational Interviewing was associated with reductions in hazardous alcohol consumption compared with usual care or brief advice. Effect sizes were generally small to moderate, with low to moderate heterogeneity across studies. Evidence for complete alcohol abstinence was less consistent.
Conclusion
Motivational Interviewing demonstrates potential effectiveness in reducing hazardous alcohol use among working-age men, particularly as an early intervention strategy. However, heterogeneity in study designs and limited male-specific analyses warrant cautious interpretation. Further high-quality studies specifically targeting working-age men are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
Keywords: Motivational Interviewing; Alcohol use; Working-age men