MOBILE APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MONITORING AND DRUNK DRIVING PREVENTION IN RWANDA.

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.