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

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 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)

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.

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.

Eligibility Criteria:
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: taking prescription opioids without a doctor's prescription/taking more doses of prescription opioids than what a prescription allows/using prescription opioid for reasons other than a medical purpose
* use Instagram three times a week or more in the past three months

Exclusion Criteria:

* receiving substance use interventions in the past three months
* are diagnosed with substance use disorders
* are not proficient in English