Adaptation of a Digital Group-Based Intervention to Reduce Drug Use and Increase Contraceptive Use Among Reproductive-Aged Women Involved in Criminal Justice Systems

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Women in the criminal legal system are more likely to experience substance use disorders and unintended pregnancy than women in the general public. However, they often face barriers to accessing substance use treatment and sexual and reproductive health services. This study tests the feasibility and acceptability of Women on the Road to Health (WORTH) Promoting Access to Treatment, Health, and Support (Paths), a digital intervention adapted from the evidence-based CDC Best Practice HIV prevention intervention, Women on the Road to Health (WORTH), originally developed at Columbia University School of Social Work. WORTH Paths is designed to help reproductive-aged women in the criminal legal system with substance use disorders and unmet need for contraception reduce drug use and improve contraceptive use. Participants (N=50) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: WORTH Paths Intervention Group - Participants will attend three virtual group sessions with facilitated videoconference sessions and self-paced digital activities focused on reducing drug use and increasing contraceptive use. They will also receive guidance on how to access and navigate health services. Control Group - Participants will receive a virtual general wellness program that includes education on substance use and sexual and reproductive health but does not include skills-based training related to these topics. The focus will be on general wellness and stress reduction. Both groups will receive resources for substance use treatment and sexual and reproductive health services. Researchers will track changes in drug use and contraceptive use over three months. Participants will complete surveys and provide urine samples to confirm changes in drug use. Primary aims: Feasibility: Measured by session attendance, treatment completion, dropouts, and reasons for termination. Acceptability: Measured by participant ease of use, helpfulness, and satisfaction. Primary behavioral outcomes: Self-reported drug use confirmed by urine drug tests. Contraceptive use, including initiation and consistent use. Secondary behavioral outcome: Linkage to substance use disorder treatment (measured by appointments made and sessions attended).

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 44
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Female sex at birth

• Aged 18-44 years

• Past year criminal legal involvement (e.g., incarceration or community supervision)

• Meets criteria for current substance use disorder (SUD) as defined by DSM-5 and assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)

• Meets criteria for unmet need for contraception (capable of pregnancy, sexually active, does not want to become pregnant within the next year, but is currently not using contraception)

• Able to read, write, and speak English

• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Locations
United States
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
RECRUITING
Teaneck
Contact Information
Primary
Melissa N Slavin, PhD
m.slavin@fdu.edu
201-692-2301
Backup
Annie J Rohan, PhD
a.rohan@fdu.edu
201-692-2840
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-08-12
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-04-01
Participants
Target number of participants: 50
Treatments
Experimental: WORTH Paths Digital Intervention Group
Participants will receive a culturally tailored program adapted for reproductive-aged women involved in the criminal legal system with substance use disorders and unmet contraceptive needs. The intervention consists of three facilitated group sessions over videoconference with digital interactive activities to support behavior change.~Key components include:~* Raising awareness about different contraceptive methods and substance use treatment options~* Discussing personal motivations for reducing drug use and using contraception~* Developing skills to identify and manage substance use and reproductive health triggers~* Digital interactive activities to reinforce learning and skill-building~* Practicing decision-making tools and goal-setting strategies~* Addressing barriers related to safety including intimate partner violence~* Creating a safety plan and strategies for maintaining progress~* Resources for state and online substance use and sexual/reproductive health services
Active_comparator: WORTH Paths Digital Wellness Group
Participants in this arm will receive the WORTH Paths Wellness Group, a wellness-focused intervention delivered via three facilitated group sessions over videoconference with digital interactive activities. Sessions cover general health, stress reduction, and navigating health services. Topics include education about substance use and sexual and reproductive health risks, guided meditation and mindfulness training, stress management techniques, and an overview of substance use and reproductive health services. Participants will also receive digital wellness resources, including recorded mindfulness exercises and links to online platforms for health services.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Collaborators: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Leads: Fairleigh Dickinson University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov