Drug User Internet and Mobile Tech Use

Columbia University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Drug Abuse Illicit

Treatments: Other: Pilot Website Evaluation Component

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT01871298

1R21DA034841-01A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

AAAL6402

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine factors associated with frequency and type of internet and mobile technology use among illegal drug users, specifically use of internet and text-messaging to obtain health care information and engage in health care utilization, specifically human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment services. We will target high drug activity neighborhoods in New York City and enroll participants recruited through targeted street outreach. All participants (n=336) will undergo an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) that will assess sociodemographics, health care access and utilization, sex/drug use behavior, health status, and characteristics of general and health-related internet/mobile technology use including factors that promote or hinder use. Participants identified as using the internet ≥1/month (n=151) will return for a 4-week ACASI to report on use of the pilot website (which will largely display information currently available in the community in print/ pamphlet/ video form).

Full description

At the enrollment visit participants deemed eligible after screening will be consented, and given a 30 minute baseline ACASI survey. At the end of the baseline visit, those participants who reported internet use at least 1x/month (in the past month) will be offered participation in the Pilot Website Evaluation Component. For this component, participants will be instructed on how to use an educational website with health resources. Their use of the website will be tracked. They will be given an appointment to return in 4-weeks for a follow up survey at the pharmacy and a 2-week locator call.

Enrollment: 212 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• any lifetime illegal drug use
• age > 18

Exclusion criteria

• none

Trial design

212 participants in 2 patient groups

Website access

Other group

Description:

While this pilot intervention is not a randomized trial, study participants who report internet use at least once a month will told of a Pilot Website Evaluation Component that they will be able to access for a 4-week study period. This website will contain a educational information tailored to the health needs of drug users. Web content will be similar to materials and public health messages released by the NYC Department of Health and therefore, harm is not likely to arise from viewing such content.

Treatment:

Other: Pilot Website Evaluation Component

No website access

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants who report internet use less than once a month will not receive access to the Pilot Website Evaluation Component.