Abstract:
This study explores the development and evaluation of "DrinkGuard," a mobile application
designed to monitor alcohol consumption and prevent drunk driving in Rwanda, specifically
targeting the Kimihurura sector. The research addresses the significant public health
challenge posed by alcohol consumption among Rwandan youth and the associated risks of
drunk driving, which contributes to a substantial proportion of traffic accidents and fatalities.
Despite existing governmental interventions, there is a gap in personalized, technology-
driven tools that provide real-time feedback and support to individuals, enabling them to
make informed decisions regarding their alcohol intake and driving capabilities.
The theoretical framework of the study is grounded in behavior change models and the
Widmark equation for estimating Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). The methodology
integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches, utilizing surveys, app usage data, and
thematic analysis to assess the effectiveness of DrinkGuard. The app features BAC
measurement, alcohol consumption tracking, and integration with ride-hailing services to
offer users safer alternatives when intoxicated.
Key findings indicate that DrinkGuard significantly increases users' awareness of alcohol-
related risks and promotes responsible drinking behaviors. The real-time BAC feedback and
ride-hailing integration are particularly effective in reducing incidents of drunk driving. The
study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the potential of mobile health (mHealth)
applications to enhance public health interventions in low- and middle-income countries,
providing a scalable solution to mitigate the harms of alcohol consumption and improve road
safety in Rwanda.
