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Fishman M, Wenzel K, Gauthier P, Borodovsky J, Murray O, Subramaniam G, Levy S, Fredyma E, McLeman B, Marsch LA. Engagement, initiation, and retention in medication treatment for opioid use disorder among young adults: A narrative review of challenges and opportunities. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024:209352. [PMID: 38494051 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a catastrophic public health problem for young adults (YAs) and their families. While medication for OUD (MOUD) is safe, effective, and recognized as the standard of care, its' uptake and success have been limited in YAs compared to older adults. METHODS This narrative review summarizes the existing literature and highlights select studies regarding barriers to YA MOUD, potential explanations for those barriers, and strategies to overcome them. RESULTS Barriers are prominent along the entire cascade of care, including: treatment engagement and entry, MOUD initiation, and MOUD retention. Hypothesized explanations for barriers include: developmental vulnerability, inadequate treatment system capacity, stigma against MOUD, among others. Interventions to address barriers include: promotion of family involvement, increasing provider capacity, integration of MOUD into primary care, assertive outreach, and others. CONCLUSIONS Integrating an adapted version of family coaching from the Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) and other models into YA MOUD treatment serves as an example of an emerging novel practice that holds promise for broadening the funnel of engagement in treatment and initiation of MOUD, and enhancing treatment outcomes. This and other developmentally-informed approaches should be evaluated as part of a high-priority clinical and research agenda for improving OUD treatment for YAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fishman
- Maryland Treatment Centers, 3800 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry, 3800 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA.
| | - Kevin Wenzel
- Maryland Treatment Centers, 3800 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA
| | - Phoebe Gauthier
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Jacob Borodovsky
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Owen Murray
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Geetha Subramaniam
- Center for Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 301 North Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sharon Levy
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Addiction Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emma Fredyma
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Bethany McLeman
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
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Aneni K, Fernandes CSF, Hoerner LA, Szapary C, Pendergrass Boomer TM, Fiellin LE. A Video Game Intervention to Prevent Opioid Misuse Among Older Adolescents: Development and Preimplementation Study. JMIR Serious Games 2023; 11:e46912. [PMID: 37921851 PMCID: PMC10656656 DOI: 10.2196/46912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid misuse and mental disorders are highly comorbid conditions. The ongoing substance misuse and mental health crises among adolescents in the United States underscores the importance of widely scalable substance misuse preventive interventions that also address mental health risks. Serious video games offer an engaging, widely scalable method for delivering and implementing preventive interventions. However, there are no video game interventions that focus on preventing opioid misuse among older adolescents, and there are limited existing video game interventions that address mental health. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop and conduct a formative evaluation of a video game intervention to prevent opioid misuse and promote mental health among adolescents aged 16-19 years (PlaySmart). We conducted formative work in preparation for a subsequent randomized controlled trial. METHODS We conducted development and formative evaluation of PlaySmart in 3 phases (development, playtesting, and preimplementation) through individual interviews and focus groups with multiple stakeholders (adolescents: n=103; school-based health care providers: n=51; and addiction treatment providers: n=6). PlaySmart content development was informed by the health belief model, the theory of planned behavior, and social cognitive theory. User-centered design principles informed the approach to development and play testing. The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainability framework informed preimplementation activities. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from interviews and focus groups that informed PlaySmart game content and approaches to future implementation of PlaySmart. RESULTS We developed a novel video game PlaySmart for older adolescents that addresses the risk and protective factors for opioid misuse and mental health. Nine themes emerged from the focus groups that provided information regarding game content. Playtesting revealed areas of the game that required improvement, which were modified for the final game. Preimplementation focus groups identified potential barriers and facilitators for implementing PlaySmart in school settings. CONCLUSIONS PlaySmart offers a promising digital intervention to address the current opioid and mental health crises among adolescents in a scalable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kammarauche Aneni
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Claudia-Santi F Fernandes
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lily A Hoerner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Claire Szapary
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Lynn E Fiellin
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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Abraham O, Nixon GA, Seitz LL. Parents' Perceptions of a Serious Game for Educating Families on Prescription Opioid Safety: Qualitative Pilot Study of MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity. JMIR Serious Games 2023; 11:e49382. [PMID: 37698899 PMCID: PMC10523225 DOI: 10.2196/49382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid misuse is a pervasive, worsening problem that affects the health of people throughout the United States, including adolescents. There are few adolescent-focused interventions designed to educate them about opioid medication safety. The MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity, is a serious educational video game that teaches parents and their youths about safe opioid practices. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate parent's perceptions of MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity and its potential use by parents and their adolescents. METHODS Parents of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who live in the United States were recruited from April to October 2021 via Qualtrics research panels, social media, email listserves, and snowball sampling. The study participants played MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity for 30 minutes and then participated in a 30-minute postgame interview via WebEx (Cisco). Questions were developed and piloted to examine adults' perceptions of the game. Participants were asked three sets of open-ended questions: (1) questions about the game and elements of the game, (2) what they learned from the game, and (3) questions about their experience with games. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were coded using content and thematic analysis by study team members to identify major themes and subthemes from the data. RESULTS Parent participants (N=67) played MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity and completed a postgame interview. Analysis extrapolated four primary themes from the data: (1) participant gaming experience, (2) perception of game features, (3) educational purpose of the game, and (4) future use of the game. Most participants (n=56, 84%), had at least some experience with video games. More than half of the participants (n=35, 52%) participants, had positive reactions to the game characters and scenes depicted in MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity and stated they were realistic for adolescents. Most participants (n=39, 58%), would recommend the game to others. Significant difficulties with gameplay navigation were reported by 38 (57%) participants, as well as a slow game pace. All participants were able to accurately identify the overarching goal of the game: opioid or medication safety. The game reinforced existing knowledge for participants, though many (n=15, 22%), reported a new awareness of the need to store opioid medications in a locked area and the availability of medication disposal drop boxes at pharmacies. Participants stated that they would recommend the game for future use by families and youths in various health care and non-health care settings. CONCLUSIONS The use of a tailored serious game is a novel, engaging tool to educate adolescents on opioid safety. MedSMARxT: Adventures in PharmaCity can be used as a tool for parents and adolescents to facilitate meaningful dialogue about safe and appropriate opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunmilola Abraham
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Grace Ann Nixon
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Laura Louise Seitz
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Abraham O, Szela L, Brasel K, Hoernke M. Engaging youth in the design of prescription opioid safety education for schools. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:441-449. [PMID: 34736864 PMCID: PMC9536462 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid misuse continues to be a major concern in the United States, affecting both adults and adolescents. Unfortunately, even legitimate prescription opioid misuse in adolescence increases the risk for misuse later in life. Although adolescence is a critical period for learning, little is known about adolescents' preferences for opioid safety education. One potential avenue for prescription opioid education is the use of serious games. Serious games can result in better health outcomes and understanding for adolescents and allow them to safely experience real-life scenarios. However, few studies have examined the use of serious games for adolescent opioid education. OBJECTIVE This study explored adolescents' preferences for prescription opioid education and design of a serious game focused on opioid safety education. METHODS A focus group guide was adapted from 2 statewide surveys about participants' perspectives on opioids. Recruitment packets with consent documents and an introduction to the study were sent home to eligible students. Ten focus groups were conducted with 68 middle and high school students in Wisconsin. Adolescents were asked to discuss their preferences for prescription opioid safety education and to design a serious game to educate teens about opioid safety. Focus groups were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and underwent content and thematic analyses using NVivo 12 software. RESULTS Three preferred approaches for opioid safety education were identified, including the use of presentations, videos and websites, and serious games. Adolescents desired short presentations delivering personal stories to smaller audiences. They preferred websites and brief, engaging videos from reliable sources because of ease of access. Adolescents also preferred serious games for opioid education that were realistic and relatable. CONCLUSION When educating adolescents on prescription opioids, the use of presentations, particularly personal stories, brief and engaging websites and videos, or serious games with realistic and relatable scenarios should be incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunmilola Abraham
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Lisa Szela
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kelsey Brasel
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Margaret Hoernke
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA
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Abraham O, Rosenberger C, Tierney K, Birstler J. Investigating the Use of a Serious Game to Improve Opioid Safety Awareness Among Adolescents: A Quantitative Study. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e33975. [PMID: 34747712 PMCID: PMC8738992 DOI: 10.2196/33975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The misuse of opioid medications among adolescents is a serious problem in the United States. Serious games (SGs) are a novel way to promote safe and responsible management of opioid medications among adolescents, thereby reducing the number of adolescent opioid misuse cases reported annually. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of the SG MedSMA℞T: Adventures in PharmaCity on adolescents' opioid safety knowledge, awareness, behavioral intent, and self-efficacy. METHODS A nationally representative sample of adolescents age 12 to 18 years old were recruited online through Qualtrics panels from October to November 2020. Data collection consisted of a pre-game survey, 30 minutes of gameplay, and a post-game survey. The pre- and post-game survey included 66 items examining participants' baseline opioid knowledge, safety, and use, and demographic information. The post-game survey had 25 additional questions regarding the MedSMA℞T game. Gameplay scenarios included five levels intended to mimic adolescents' daily life while educating players about appropriate opioid storage and disposable practices, negative consequences of sharing opioid medications, and use of Narcan®. Survey questions were divided into 10 categories to represent key concepts and summarized into concept scores. Differences in concept scores were described by overall mean (SD) when stratified by gender, race, school, grade, and age. Differences of change in concept score were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and correlation tests. RESULTS A total of 117 responses were analyzed. Results showed significant improvement on all concept scores except for Narcan® knowledge (mean change = -0.04, SD = 0.29, p = 0.600) and safe storage (mean change = 0.03, SD = 0.20, p = 0.088). Female participants had greater improvement than males for safe disposal (female mean (SD) = 0.12 (0.25), male = 0.04 (0.17), p = 0.050). Male participants had higher improvement than females for misuse behavior (female mean (SD) = 0.05 (0.28) male = 0.14 (0.27), p = 0.043). Perceived knowledge for participants who were non-white or Hispanic had higher improvement than non-Hispanic white participants (non-white mean (SD) = 1.10 (1.06), white = 0.75 (0.91), p = 0.026). Older grades were associated with greater improvement in opioid knowledge (correlation coefficient -0.23 (95% CI -0.40 to -0.05), p = 0.012). There were 28 (23.9%) participants who played all 5 levels of the game and had better improvement in opioid use self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest MedSMA℞T: Adventures in PharmaCity can be used as an effective tool to educate adolescents on the safe and responsible use of prescribed opioid medications. Future testing of the effectiveness of this SG should involve a randomized control trial. Additionally, the feasibility of implementing and disseminating MedSMA℞T: Adventures in PharmaCity in schools and healthcare settings, such as adolescent health or primary care clinics, emergency departments, and pharmacies, should be investigated. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunmilola Abraham
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, US
| | - Claire Rosenberger
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, US
| | - Kathleen Tierney
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, US
| | - Jen Birstler
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, US
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Abraham O, Rosenberger CA, Birstler J, Tierney K. Examining adolescents' opioid knowledge and likelihood to Utilize an educational game to promote medication safety. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:3191-3198. [PMID: 34561172 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents' knowledge on opioids is seldom studied, despite the fact young people are one of the groups most affected by the opioid crisis within the United States. There is a need to understand adolescents' perceptions about opioid misuse and safety to create the necessary tools to educate adolescents on safe opioid use. OBJECTIVE This study sought to understand adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of opioid use and safety as well as their receptiveness to using an educational game for improving medication safety knowledge. METHODS A 67-item survey was developed to assess adolescents' opioid perceptions, knowledge, and the likelihood of an educational game to enhance their opioid medication safety. A nationally representative sample of US adolescents aged 12 to 18 were recruited via a Qualtrics participant panel to complete the online survey from October through November 2020. Survey questions were grouped into 10 categories to represent key concepts and summarized into concept scores. Concepts were described through means, median, and range as well as percent correct for individual questions. Differences between groups were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Concept scores and their relation to the participant's age were described by the Pearson's correlation coefficient and the linear model coefficient. RESULTS A total of 592 responses were analyzed. Male and older participants reported greater perceived opioid knowledge than females. White participants reported higher rates of perceived opioid knowledge, behavioral intent, and knowledge of safe medication disposal than any other racial group. About 80% of participants were receptive to the use of an educational game to increase their opioid safety knowledge. CONCLUSIONS There are discrepancies in adolescents' knowledge on opioid safety and harm amongst genders, race, and age. Study findings support the use of an educational game to increase adolescents' opioid knowledge. Future studies should design an educational game intended for a diverse audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunmilola Abraham
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Claire A Rosenberger
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jen Birstler
- University of Wisconsin- Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Kathleen Tierney
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Marsch LA, Moore SK, Grabinski M, Bessen SY, Borodovsky J, Scherer E. Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Program (POP4Teens) to Prevent Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e18487. [PMID: 33629961 PMCID: PMC8128362 DOI: 10.2196/18487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prescription opioid (PO) use is common among adolescents in the United States. Despite recent declines from unprecedented peaks in adolescent PO use (eg, in 2012-2013), there is seemingly paradoxical evidence that PO-related consequences (eg, opioid use disorder and overdoses) are increasing. These trends and their possible consequences emphasize the importance of prevention efforts targeting PO misuse. To our knowledge, we have developed the first interactive web-based program (POP4Teens [P4T]) focused specifically on the prevention of PO misuse among adolescents. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of P4T, a web-based program designed to prevent adolescent PO misuse, in comparison with JustThinkTwice (JTT), an active control website, on PO-related attitudes, knowledge, risk perception, and intentions to use. Methods We conducted a web-based randomized controlled trial in 2018. A total of 406 adolescents (aged 12-17 years) were randomly assigned to either P4T or JTT. The outcome variables were attitudes, knowledge, and risk perceptions associated with PO misuse, intentions to use POs, and program feedback. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results Both programs resulted in significant and sustained improvements in intention to use POs, increased perceived risk, impacted expectancies consistent with prevention, and improved PO refusal skills. P4T produced significantly greater increases in PO-related knowledge than JTT did, and it was reportedly easier to use and more liked. Baseline scores for youth reporting past-year medical use of POs, friends who engage in nonmedical use of POs, and/or poor mental health underscored their at-risk status compared with youth from the other groups. Conclusions P4T positively impacted all study variables that are known to prevent PO misuse among teens. Moreover, its web-based nature simplifies the dissemination and implementation of this novel tool designed to help meet the challenges of the evolving national opioid crisis. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02737696; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02737696
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States.,HealthSim Inc, Hanover, NH, United States.,Square2 Systems, Inc, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Sarah K Moore
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Michael Grabinski
- HealthSim Inc, Hanover, NH, United States.,Square2 Systems, Inc, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Sarah Y Bessen
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Jacob Borodovsky
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Emily Scherer
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
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Wu J, Siu ACK. Problematic Mobile Phone Use by Hong Kong Adolescents. Front Psychol 2021; 11:551804. [PMID: 33384636 PMCID: PMC7769934 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.551804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently there have been growing concerns about problematic mobile phone use by adolescent populations. This study aimed to address this concern through a study of severity and correlates of problematic mobile phone use with a sample of Hong Kong adolescents. Methods Data were collected from a sample of adolescents from three local secondary schools (ranging from high to low academic achievement levels) using a measuring scale (PCPU-Q, Yen et al., 2009) designated for Chinese adolescents. Participants were allocated into groups of “problematic users” and “non-problematic users” based on the number of occurrence of symptoms due to excessive and maladaptive use of mobile phone and possible functional impairments caused by problematic mobile phone use. A group of “at-risk users” was identified. A sample-based examination on distribution of these three groups of users was conducted via frequency counts and percentage calculation. A series of t-test were performed to make comparisons between “problematic” and “non-problematic” groups on selected personality and health related variable. Risk and protective factors were identified via correlational analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results Under a more stringent cut-off criterion of four or more reported symptoms (out of seven) plus one or more reported functional impairments (out of five), 22.9% of the adolescents participating in this study could be classified as problematic mobile phone users. However, a more lenient criterion (only 4 or more reported symptoms without consideration of functional impairment) reported a substantially more severe prevalence rate (29.3%). A new group of “at-risk” adolescents (6.4%) was identified with such a discrepancy of prevalence rate. Gender difference, some risk and protective factors were also identified for developing this technology-related problem. Discussion and Conclusions Adolescents who are vulnerable to suffer from this technology-related problem deserve more attention from helping professionals. Results of this study throw some insights on how to identify problematic mobile phone user applying a criterion-referenced approach. This study echoes a recent call for adopting a developmental perspective in understanding this problem and conducting research in this area. Anchored on present findings, effective interventions to tackle this rising problem among adolescents are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Wu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Aaron C K Siu
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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9
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Aronson ID, Bennett AS, Freeman R. Toward a human-centered use of technology: a stakeholder analysis of harm reduction and CBO staff. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:77. [PMID: 33076911 PMCID: PMC7570409 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Technology can enable syringe service programs (SSPs) and other community-based organizations (CBOs) operating under a harm reduction framework to work with an increased number of clients and can also enable organizations to offer services more effectively (e.g., offering HIV testing in ways participants may be more likely to accept). In the current time of COVID-19 social distancing, technology can also help organizations more safely provide services to people with compromised immune systems and to clients who might otherwise not be reached. However, technology projects implemented in harm reduction settings are frequently conceptualized and developed by researchers or technology specialists rather than by SSP staff or clients. Methods To more effectively meet the needs of SSPs and other CBOs across the USA, our team conducted qualitative interviews with 16 individuals who have extensive backgrounds working in the field of harm reduction. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed, and the transcripts were checked for accuracy by the interviewers. The resulting transcripts were coded and analyzed to determine emerging themes. Results Interviewees mentioned the ability of technology to deliver consistent quality messaging to multiple clients at the same time and the potential to customize or tailor technology-based messaging to specific client populations as positive benefits. Clear barriers to technology use also emerged, in particular regarding privacy, data security, and the need to maintain client trust when discussing sensitive issues (e.g., illicit drug use). Conclusions Technology offers the potential to deliver consistently high-quality health communication and maintain contact with clients who may have no other access to care. If designed and managed effectively, technology can also address issues related to providing services during times when physical contact is limited due to COVID-19 social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian David Aronson
- Digital Health Empowerment, Brooklyn, USA. .,New York University, School of Global Public Health, New York, USA.
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Digital Health Empowerment, Brooklyn, USA.,New York University, School of Global Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Robert Freeman
- New York University, School of Global Public Health, New York, USA
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Evans R, Widman L, Javidi H, Adams ET, Cacace S, Prinstein MJ, Desmarais SL. Preliminary Evaluation of a Prescription Opioid Misuse Prevention Program Among Rural Middle School Students. J Community Health 2020; 45:1139-1148. [PMID: 32785872 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00899-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose have emerged as national health crises. Nearly 17% of high school students have misused prescription opioids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reach and acceptability of a widely-used prescription opioid misuse prevention program, This Is (Not) About Drugs© (TINAD), and its preliminary efficacy at improving opioid misuse knowledge, opioid misuse attitudes, self-efficacy to avoid opioid misuse, and intentions to misuse opioids. Participants were 576 7th grade students (Mage = 11.8; 51% boys; 39% Hispanic, 31% White, 20% Black) from a rural county in the southeastern U.S. All participants received the TINAD program and completed pretest and immediate posttest assessments. The program was school-based and implemented in collaboration with school teachers and administrators. Over 91% of all eligible students in the school district participated in the TINAD program. Most participants found the program acceptable-over 83% of students liked the program. Approximately 9% of participants reported prior misuse of prescription opioids. After participating in TINAD, students self-reported higher knowledge and self-efficacy as well as safer attitudes. However, there was no change in intentions to misuse opioids in the future. Effects of the program were consistent across gender, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and previous opioid misuse. TINAD is acceptable and shows promise for improving opioid-related cognitions. However, more rigorous experimental and longitudinal research is needed to understand whether TINAD reduces opioid misuse over time. Given the limited research on adolescent opioid misuse prevention, this study lays the ground work for future randomized control trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Evans
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Hannah Javidi
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Elizabeth Troutman Adams
- School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carroll Hall, CB 3365, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sam Cacace
- Center for Family and Community Engagement, North Carolina State University, 2700 Katharine Stinson Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Mitchell J Prinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 240 Davie Hall, Campus Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sarah L Desmarais
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Center for Family and Community Engagement, North Carolina State University, 2700 Katharine Stinson Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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11
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Harbaugh CM, Vu JV, DeJonckheere M, Kim N, Nichols LP, Chang T. Youth Perspectives of Prescription Pain Medication in the Opioid Crisis. J Pediatr 2020; 221:159-164. [PMID: 32143929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize current youth perspectives of prescription pain medication. STUDY DESIGN In total, 1047 youths aged 14-24 years were recruited by targeted social media advertisements to match national demographic benchmarks. Youths were queried by open-ended text message prompts about exposure and access to prescription pain medication, perceived safety of prescribed and nonprescribed medication, and associations with the word "opioid." Responses were analyzed inductively for emerging themes and frequencies. RESULTS Among 745 respondents (71.2% response rate), 439 identified as female (59.3%), 561 as white (75.8%), and mean age was 18.3 ± 3.2 years. Previous exposure to prescription pain medication was reported by 377 respondents (52.0%), most commonly related to dentistry (32.8%), surgery (19.2%), and injury (12.0%). Nonmedical sources of access to prescription pain medication were identified by 256 respondents (36.9%) and medical sources other than their doctor by an additional 111 respondents (16.0%). Three additional themes emerged from youth responses: (1) prescribed medication was thought to be safer than nonprescribed medication, based on trust in doctors; (2) risks of addiction and overdose were thought to be greater for nonprescribed medication; (3) respondents had a widely ranging understanding of the word "opioid," from historical to current events, medical to illicit substances, and personal to public associations. CONCLUSIONS Although youths are aware of the opioid crisis, they perceive less risk of prescription pain medication prescribed by a doctor, than from other sources. Policies should target education to youth in clinical and nonclinical settings, highlighting the risks of addiction and overdose with all opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joceline V Vu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Noa Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lauren P Nichols
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Tammy Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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12
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Special High-Risk Populations in Dentistry: The Adolescent Patient, the Elderly Patient, and the Woman of Childbearing Age. Dent Clin North Am 2020; 64:585-595. [PMID: 32448461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cden.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive and compassionate treatment of vulnerable patients is an important service to the community, although dental treatment of special populations can represent a challenge. The dental provider must be able to recognize the issues surrounding substance use and abuse, coordinate care with medical providers, and build a trusting provider-patient relationship to achieve success. Open conversations regarding expectations of pain, and the risks, benefits, and alternatives to opioids are important aspects of the best care of these patients.
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13
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Fodor MC, Grekin ER, Beatty JR, McGoron L, Ondersma SJ. Participant Satisfaction with Computer-Delivered Intervention Components and Its Relation to Alcohol Outcomes. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2332-2340. [PMID: 32865079 PMCID: PMC7654716 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1811343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Few computer-delivered brief intervention (CDBI) studies have evaluated participant satisfaction with individual elements of the intervention, or whether participant satisfaction impacts intervention outcomes. Purpose: This factorial trial examined whether subjective reactions to a CDBI for heavy drinking (1) varied depending on the presence versus absence of an animated narrator, a spoken voice, empathic reflections, and motivational interviewing (MI) strategies and (2) were associated with drinking outcomes at 3-month follow-up. Methods: Participants were 352 heavy drinking university students. All participants were randomly assigned to one of 16 versions of a CDBI. After finishing the CDBI, participants completed measures of intervention likability and perceived empathy. Alcohol use outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow-up. Results: CDBI characteristics had minimal effects on participant ratings of likeability and perceived empathy. However, higher likeability ratings were associated with decreases in alcohol use outcomes over the 3-month assessment period. Conclusions: Results indicate that subjective reactions to CDBIs can have important effects on alcohol use outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Fodor
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily R Grekin
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jessica R Beatty
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lucy McGoron
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven J Ondersma
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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