Theory-based Social Media Intervention for Non-medical Use of Prescription Opioids in Young Adults

Last updated: June 21, 2024
Sponsor: University of South Carolina
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stimulant Use Disorder

Opioid Use Disorder

Post-traumatic Stress Disorders

Treatment

Theory-based and peer-led intervention on Instagram

Clinical Study ID

NCT06469749
Pro00135306
1K01DA058768-01A1
  • Ages 18-25
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Brief Summary

The purposes of this study are to develop and implement a peer-led intervention program on Instagram for promoting prescription opioid use management and fostering psychosocial skills among young adults who engage in non-medical use of prescription opioids in the United State. The specific aims of the study include:

  1. To conduct formative interviews to identify psychosocial determinants/skills and relevant vivid examples associated with non-medical use of prescription opioids

  2. To develop peer-led modules in accordance with Aim (1) and health behavior theories on Instagram

  3. To implement and test the feasibility of the 12-week peer-led intervention modules on Instagram among young adults who are randomly assigned to either receive the intervention (intervention group) or not receive the intervention (control group)

In Aim (1), participants will be invited to online audio-recorded 60-minute individual interviews with the research team on topics regarding personal experiences in using prescription opioids and psychosocial skills or factors relevant to them.

In Aim (3), participants who are assigned to the intervention group will be paired with a peer leader and attend to peer-guided interactive modules on Instagram over 12 weeks. They will complete an online survey at 1st week and 12th week, as well as brief evening surveys every two days during the intervention. The control group will not take part in intervention activities but will complete an online survey at 1st week and 12th week.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • aged 18-25 years

  • from the U.S.

  • can read and speak English

  • engage in non-medical use of prescription opioids in the past three months: takingprescription opioids without a doctor's prescription/taking more doses ofprescription opioids than what a prescription allows/using prescription opioid forreasons other than a medical purpose

  • use Instagram three times a week or more in the past three months

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • receiving substance use interventions in the past three months

  • are diagnosed with substance use disorders

  • are not proficient in English

Study Design

Total Participants: 100
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Theory-based and peer-led intervention on Instagram
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
April 30, 2029

Study Description

Non-medical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) is a timely and significant public health issue in the United States (US). Young adults are the key population vulnerable to NMUPO. Existing literature indicates that NMUPO in young adults is influenced by a robust array of psychosocial factors. Tailored interventions guided by a psychosocial theory, such as the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model, are urgently needed for addressing NMUPO in young adults. One innovative approach is to reach out to and deliver psychosocial interventions to young adults via social media technology, yet limited efforts have sought to develop such interventions for NMUPO among young adults. Thus the scientific objective of this study is to gather data via IMB-guided formative study regarding psychosocial influences on NMPUO and then to use these findings to inform the development of a peer-led social media intervention designed to reduce NMUPO among young adults. The objective of this study is to obtain intensive mentored training essential to improving the theoretical and practical expertise needed to develop innovative and implementable peer-led psychosocial interventions for NMUPO in high-risk populations. This study includes three specific research aims. In Aim 1, formative research, guided by the IMB model, will be conducted to explore psychosocial contents associated with NMUPO in young adults. The findings from Aim 1 will be inform the development of a peer-led social media intervention to reduce NMUPO among young adults (Aim 2). The intervention will integrate promising psychotherapy principles and incorporate with peer leaders who are well-trained for recovery coaching. In Aim 3, the feasibility, acceptability, usability, and preliminary efficacy on NMUPO reduction and psychosocial changes of the theory-based social media intervention will be evaluated through a 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial among 70 NMUPO engaging young adults (35 for intervention and 35 for control) via pre-test, 12-week ecological momentary assessment (during the intervention), and post-tests (12-month follow-ups). This project will contribute to future largescale and fully-powered psychosocial interventions for NMUPO among young adults or other high-risk populations using innovative technology that can address challenges in traditional substance use interventions.

Connect with a study center

  • University of South Carolina

    Columbia, South Carolina 29208
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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