scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of a Mobile App to Help Emerging Adults Address their Friends' Substance Use (Harbor): Quantitative Study

10.2196/16632 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e16632
Author(s):  
Kyle Michael Bennett ◽  
Kelly Lynn Clary ◽  
Douglas Cary Smith ◽  
Carol Ann Lee
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Risky Drinking ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Market Feedback ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

Background Technology-assisted intervention and prevention strategies present opportunities for substance use–related research with emerging adults (EAs) and their peers. Emerging adulthood is a developmentally distinct period in which individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 years undergo unique emotional, cultural, developmental, and biological changes as they transition into adulthood. Crowdsourcing, or gathering feedback from a large group within web-based communities, offers researchers a unique and cost-effective way to obtain large amounts of information in a short period. Objective This paper presents market feedback obtained via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk from EAs (N=458) on the acceptability and utility of brief intervention scripts for a smartphone app currently under development. The mobile app, Harbor, teaches friends of EAs with substance use problems effective and supportive strategies for helping their friend make changes in their substance use behavior. Methods We examined feedback on the wording of the intervention scripts and estimated the market size of EAs who may use this app. Furthermore, we calculated correlations between script ratings and measures of personal risky drinking (ie, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) and the participants’ use of confrontational, enabling, or supportive behaviors with an existing friend. Results Approximately half of our sample (208/458, 45.4%) indicated that they had a close friend for whom they had concerns about their substance use, suggesting a potentially high demand for an app such as Harbor. Initial findings suggest that peers who engage in less enabling behaviors with friends who have a substance use problem exhibited lower risky drinking behaviors overall (r206=−0.501; P<.001). Concerning acceptability, 98.0% (449/458) of the sample rated the scripts’ dialogue as either somewhat, moderately, or extremely realistic (mean 3.92, SD 0.48) on 5-point Likert scale items. Finally, 95.4% (437/454) of respondents indicated that the scripts would be at least slightly helpful for training peers to help their friends with substance use issues. Finally, individuals who were better able to identify enabling language in enabling scripts self-reported fewer enabling behaviors toward their friend’s substance use (r206=−0.236; P=.001). Conclusions There exists a demonstrated level of desirability and acceptability among EAs for a mobile app such as Harbor. EAs who wish to engage in more supportive behaviors with their friends who engage in substance use and who are amenable to assisting their friends with sobriety likely would use and benefit from this app.

scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of a Mobile App to Help Emerging Adults Address their Friends' Substance Use (Harbor): Quantitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Michael Bennett ◽  
Kelly Lynn Clary ◽  
Douglas Cary Smith ◽  
Carol Ann Lee
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Risky Drinking ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Market Feedback ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

BACKGROUND Technology-assisted intervention and prevention strategies present opportunities for substance use–related research with emerging adults (EAs) and their peers. Emerging adulthood is a developmentally distinct period in which individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 years undergo unique emotional, cultural, developmental, and biological changes as they transition into adulthood. Crowdsourcing, or gathering feedback from a large group within web-based communities, offers researchers a unique and cost-effective way to obtain large amounts of information in a short period. OBJECTIVE This paper presents market feedback obtained via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk from EAs (N=458) on the acceptability and utility of brief intervention scripts for a smartphone app currently under development. The mobile app, Harbor, teaches friends of EAs with substance use problems effective and supportive strategies for helping their friend make changes in their substance use behavior. METHODS We examined feedback on the wording of the intervention scripts and estimated the market size of EAs who may use this app. Furthermore, we calculated correlations between script ratings and measures of personal risky drinking (ie, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) and the participants’ use of confrontational, enabling, or supportive behaviors with an existing friend. RESULTS Approximately half of our sample (208/458, 45.4%) indicated that they had a close friend for whom they had concerns about their substance use, suggesting a potentially high demand for an app such as Harbor. Initial findings suggest that peers who engage in less enabling behaviors with friends who have a substance use problem exhibited lower risky drinking behaviors overall (<i>r</i><sub>206</sub>=−0.501; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Concerning acceptability, 98.0% (449/458) of the sample rated the scripts’ dialogue as either somewhat, moderately, or extremely realistic (mean 3.92, SD 0.48) on 5-point Likert scale items. Finally, 95.4% (437/454) of respondents indicated that the scripts would be at least slightly helpful for training peers to help their friends with substance use issues. Finally, individuals who were better able to identify enabling language in enabling scripts self-reported fewer enabling behaviors toward their friend’s substance use (<i>r</i><sub>206</sub>=−0.236; <i>P</i>=.001). CONCLUSIONS There exists a demonstrated level of desirability and acceptability among EAs for a mobile app such as Harbor. EAs who wish to engage in more supportive behaviors with their friends who engage in substance use and who are amenable to assisting their friends with sobriety likely would use and benefit from this app.

Profiles of Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Users: Individual Differences in Demographics and Substance Use

2020 ◽  
pp. 002204262097961
Author(s):  
Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael ◽  
Hannah K. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Problematic Substance ◽  
Use Behavior

Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use—or use of both substances with overlapping effects—is common among emerging adults and is linked to increased risk for problematic substance use outcomes. The current study identified subgroups of emerging adult SAM users based on their typical alcohol and marijuana use patterns and compared groups on key individual characteristics. Latent profile analysis uncovered four profiles of SAM users ( n = 522): Light Users (LU; 49.0%), Moderate Drinkers With Frequent Marijuana Use (MDFM; 37.9%), Moderate Drinkers With High Peak Levels (MDHP; 5.4%), and Heavy/Frequent Users (HFU; 7.7%). Group differences by demographic characteristics were found, with LU more likely to be college attendees/graduates than MDFM. In addition, HFU were more likely to be Greek-affiliated than both LU and MDFM. Groups also differed based on other drug use behavior and preferred route of marijuana administration. Findings demonstrate diversity among SAM users based on typical substance use patterns.

Longitudinal Associations Among Substance Use, Crime, and Environmental Risk Among Emerging Adults

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel J. Merrin ◽  
Jordan P. Davis ◽  
Daniel Berry ◽  
Elizabeth J. D'Amico
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Longitudinal Associations

scholarly journals Electrochemical Biosensors for Cytokine Profiling: Recent Advancements and Possibilities in the Near Future

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Nirmita Dutta ◽  
Peter B. Lillehoj ◽  
Pedro Estrela ◽  
Gorachand Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Anomalous Behavior ◽  
Quantitative Detection ◽  
Electrochemical Biosensors ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
Short Period ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Cytokine Profiling

Cytokines are soluble proteins secreted by immune cells that act as molecular messengers relaying instructions and mediating various functions performed by the cellular counterparts of the immune system, by means of a synchronized cascade of signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of cytokines can be indicative of anomalous behavior of the immunoregulatory system, as seen in various illnesses and conditions, such as cancer, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration and other physiological disorders. Cancer and autoimmune diseases are particularly adept at developing mechanisms to escape and modulate the immune system checkpoints, reflected by an altered cytokine profile. Cytokine profiling can provide valuable information for diagnosing such diseases and monitoring their progression, as well as assessing the efficacy of immunotherapeutic regiments. Toward this goal, there has been immense interest in the development of ultrasensitive quantitative detection techniques for cytokines, which involves technologies from various scientific disciplines, such as immunology, electrochemistry, photometry, nanotechnology and electronics. This review focusses on one aspect of this collective effort: electrochemical biosensors. Among the various types of biosensors available, electrochemical biosensors are one of the most reliable, user-friendly, easy to manufacture, cost-effective and versatile technologies that can yield results within a short period of time, making it extremely promising for routine clinical testing.

scholarly journals Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) as an Adjunct in the Management of Osteoradionecrosis and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws. Case Series in A Single Centre

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3365
Author(s):  
Benjie Law ◽  
Hui Yuh Soh ◽  
Syed Nabil ◽  
Rama Krsna Rajandram ◽  
Abd Jabar Nazimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Platelet Rich Fibrin ◽  
Tissue Healing ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Oral And Maxillofacial Region ◽  
Surgical Adjunct ◽  
Autologous Platelet

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) are uncommon but serious diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region with clinically similar appearance but distinct pathophysiology. Management of ORN and MRONJ is inherently challenging and the treatment outcomes are unpredictable. The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) to promote hard and soft tissue healing is well described in the literature, and the efficacy of leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been well documented in a number of clinical studies. The aim of this study was to present our treatment strategy and the outcomes of incorporating L-PRF as a surgical adjunct in management of ORN and MRONJ in our centre. Methods: eight cases of ORN and MRONJ were treated with a combination of sequestrectomy and L-PRF as a surgical adjunct. Results: the overall success was 87.5%. Using L-PRF as an adjunct, we were able to predictably manage ORN and MRONJ without causing significant morbidity. Conclusion: our experience shows that L-PRF may be used as a valuable and cost-effective adjunct to surgical management of ORN and MRONJ. However, due to a limited number of patients, and a short period of review, the true effectiveness of the method is yet to be demonstrated in a longer follow-up study including a greater number of patients, besides the inclusion of a control group.

927-P: Risk of Substance Use Disorders among Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Diabetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 927-P
Author(s):  
ANA CREO ◽  
SWETHA SRIRAM ◽  
LISA VAUGHAN ◽  
AMY WEAVER ◽  
SEEMA KUMAR
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Population Based

scholarly journals Psychosocial factors and health services utilization in Fibromyalgia: a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-91
Author(s):  
Ana Lledó Boyer ◽  
Mª Ángeles Pastor Mira ◽  
Sofía López-Roig ◽  
Maximiliano Nieto Ferrandéz
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Health Services Use ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Relevant Factors

Studies on the socioeconomic impact of fibromyalgia (FM) have shown the high health services use done by these patients. These data indicate the challenge of dealing with these people, their treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the need of changes in actions and implementation of cost-effective approaches. In this study we reviewed the literature on the health care use behavior in FM. The data shows that the emotional state and catastrophizing are relevant factors in the onset of seeking health care, and within the system, higher self-efficacy, attributions of symptoms to external factors, the perception of good health and lower comorbidity is associated with less use.

scholarly journals Think-aloud testing of a novel safer drinking app for college students during COVID-19 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Gomez Smith ◽  
Nour Sami Alamiri ◽  
Grace Biegger ◽  
Christina Frederick ◽  
Jennifer P. Halbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Drinking Behavior ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Think Aloud ◽  
Risky Drinking ◽  
Student Drinking ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Consumption ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Hazardous alcohol consumption, and binge drinking in particular, continues to be common among college students, posing the greatestrisk for their health and safety. Despite widespread exposure to evidence-based preventive interventions among U.S. undergraduates, only modest and temporary effects on risky drinking occur. Formative studies have demonstrated that students want a more engaging intervention tool for risky drinking that can be used “just in time.” OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the appeal, relevance, and perceived utility of a draft mobile app for safer student drinking. METHODS Undergraduate student participants tested the draft mobile app via an interactive online prototype with hot spots that responded to their taps to mimic app functionality. They narrated their impressions, navigation, and comments in a standardized Think-Aloud procedure. After each round of Think-aloud interviews, researchers debriefed the investigators and developers to discuss findings and brainstorm app modifications. RESULTS Data indicated that minor changes to the functionality and aesthetics would improve usability of the app. Student testers recommended tailoring the app to the needs of college students and to aspects of the local university’s drinking culture. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study will be synthesized with information gained from other formative work to determine the final app features. We will test the app in a pilot randomized trial to assess app usage and the impact of the app on college student drinking behavior over several months.

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