Theory-based Social Media Intervention for Non-medical Use of Prescription Opioids in Young Adults
2 other identifiers
interventional
70
1 country
1
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable
Started Nov 2026
Typical duration for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
June 11, 2024
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
June 24, 2024
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
November 1, 2026
ExpectedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 31, 2028
Study Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
March 31, 2029
February 23, 2026
February 1, 2026
2.2 years
June 11, 2024
February 20, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (6)
Engagement
Paradata (e.g., frequencies of shares, comments, likes, and posts) on particular intervention contents)
Once in every two days for 12 weeks
Acceptability
Likert items that rate how helpful the particular intervention module is (1 = not at all to 5 = extremely). This will be measured in the ecological momentary assessment surveys.
Once in every two days for 12 weeks
Feasibility of the intervention
Feasibility will be assessed via the post-intervention interviews in terms of the reactions to the contents, format, concepts, and visual presentation of modules.
Immediately at 12-week post-intervention
Usability
Usability will be measured using the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use-Lite (USE-Lite) questionnaire which assesses perceived usefulness and satisfaction for specific intervention modules. This will be measured in the ecological momentary assessment surveys. The scale comprises a total of 15 items, with 8 items for usefulness and 7 for satisfaction. Items are rated on a 7-point scale (1=strong disagree to 7=strong agree). The sum score for each component will be generated, with a higher score indicating a greater level of usefulness (ranging from 8 to 56) or satisfaction (ranging from 7 to 49).
Once in every two days for 12 weeks
Dose
Guided by dose operationalization for mHealth intervention, dose of intervention will be collected in three domains: (1)intervention actions (if viewing a post); (2) participant actions (if practicing a skill/completing an assignment); (3) behavioral target actions (if adopting skills outside of the intervention). This will be measured in the ecological momentary assessment surveys.
Once in every two days for 12 weeks
Non-medical use of prescription opioids
Any behaviors to indicate (1) taking a prescription opioid without a prescription; (2) taking prescription opioids more doses than what a prescription allows; (3) using prescription opioids for reasons other than a medical purpose. The frequency of such behaviors in the past 30 days will be assessed using the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use Tool (TAPS) tool.
Immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
Secondary Outcomes (8)
Outcome expectancies
immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
Risk perception
immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
Action self-efficacy and coping self-efficacy
immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
Depression
immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
Anxiety
immediately at pre-intervention and 12-week post-intervention
- +3 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (2)
12-week peer-led intervention group on Instagram
EXPERIMENTALParticipants in the intervention group will receive 12-week peer-led intervention interactive modules on Instagram.
Control group
NO INTERVENTIONParticipants in the control group will not engage in any intervention activities.
Interventions
A pilot randomized controlled trial of the 12-weeks social media intervention for non-medical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) among young adults will be developed upon the formative research (Aim 1) grounded in the information-motivation-behavioral-skills (IMB) model. Intervention will be delivered by peer leaders, who are well-trained recovery coaches, via private groups on Instagram. Intervention contents will be tailored to psychosocial factors contributing to NMUPO. Intervention components. Incorporating Instagram functions, the intervention is planned to include four intervention modules: (1) NMUPO knowledge module, (2) self-care module, (3) virtual goal setting/monitoring module, (4) peer support module. Intervention will be delivered by peer leaders (assisted by clinical psychology trainees a) via private groups operated by their Instagram accounts. The process will be overseen by certificated experts in clinical psychology and addiction treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- 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
You may not qualify if:
- receiving substance use interventions in the past three months
- are diagnosed with substance use disorders
- are not proficient in English
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, United States
Related Publications (1)
Tam CC, Young SD, Harrison S, Li X, Litwin AH. Theory-Based Social Media Intervention for Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids in Young Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Mar 26;14:e65847. doi: 10.2196/65847.
PMID: 40139213DERIVED
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- PREVENTION
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Research Assistant Professor
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
June 11, 2024
First Posted
June 24, 2024
Study Start (Estimated)
November 1, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2028
Study Completion (Estimated)
March 31, 2029
Last Updated
February 23, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-02
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share