MedPath

Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Emerging Adults in the ER

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Sex Behavior
Drug Use
Interventions
Behavioral: Brief Intervention
Registration Number
NCT03079856
Lead Sponsor
University of Michigan
Brief Summary

This project will develop a technology-augmented HIV and substance use risk reduction intervention for delivery in the Emergency Department, a medical setting where at-risk emerging adults who use drugs and engage in HIV-related risk behaviors are likely to present.

Detailed Description

Research regarding substance use (including illicit drugs and non-medical use of prescription drugs) and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors (HIV SRBs; e.g., inconsistent condom use, multiple partners, sex while intoxicated; and prevention of injection drug use) among emerging adults (EAs; ages 18-25) has generally focused on alcohol use among college students from campus settings; however, substance use and HIV (and other associated Sexually Transmitted Infections) disproportionately occur among young people living in urban, low-resource communities, particularly individuals of racial minorities. The Emergency Department (ED) is a critical venue for accessing at-risk EAs engaging in substance use and HIV risk behaviors. Research shows high rates of substance use and HIV SRBs among EA patients in the ED, yet no intervention exists for EAs in this setting. The ED may be the only opportunity to intervene with these young people because EAs in urban, low-resource settings often lack a primary care provider during the transition from pediatric to adult medicine, may be un-insured or under-insured, and may not be involved in a traditional college campus setting. Further the use of technology (e.g., mobile phones) is relatively ubiquitous among this age group, and most prefer technology-based communication (e.g., text messaging or instant messaging via apps), therefore interventions for EAs may be enhanced by this type of technology. In this phase we will test a tailored intervention for EA patients in the ED focusing on reducing substance use and HIV SRBs, which will be enhanced through the use of mobile app notifications.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
63
Inclusion Criteria
  • Medically stable
  • Mentally and physically able to consent
  • English-speaking
  • Between ages 18-25
  • Past-month substance use (including illicit drugs and/or non-medical prescription drug use) and inconsistent condom use in the past month
  • Ownership of a smartphone
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Exclusion Criteria
  • ED presentation suicidality and/or acute psychosis, being in police custody, or present with psychological distress requiring intensive social work (e.g. sexual assault)
  • Patients with a significant other that they live with who is currently participating in study
  • Actively participating in another study
  • Participated in prospective and intervention development phases of the study
  • Married
  • Do not wish to consent to audio-taping the in-person portion of the ED-based intervention session
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Brief InterventionBrief InterventionED-based computer-guided intervention for substance use and HIV risk reduction utilizing Motivational Interviewing
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in days substance use2-months post baseline

60-day Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) will be used to assess total days of any substance use.

Change in quantity of marijuana use2-months post baseline

60-day Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) will be used to assess quantity of marijuana consumed.

Change in total alcohol consumption2-months post baseline

60-day Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) will be used to assess quantity of alcohol consumed

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in HIV risk behaviors2-months post baseline

60-day Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) will be used to assess frequency of unprotected sex.

Change in substance use consequences2-months post baseline

Modified Rutgers Alcohol Problems Index adapted for alcohol and drugs will assess total substance related consequences experienced.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hurley Medical Center

🇺🇸

Flint, Michigan, United States

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