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

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 develop 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 aims to develop a theory-based social media intervention and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability, and preliminary efficacy on NMUPO reduction and psychosocial changes of the intervention 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). The intervention development will be informed by formative findings on psychosocial aspects of NMUPO in young adults. 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.