Smartphone App for Alcoholism in Homeless Adults
(SmartT_A Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Approximately 1 out of every 3 adults experiencing homelessness has a current alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol use plays a central role in increased morbidity and mortality in this population, with some studies suggesting it plays a direct role in as many as 17% of deaths. Alcohol is also a leading cause of homelessness and contributes to its chronicity by inhibiting progress toward obtaining employment and a stable living environment. Shelter-based treatments are common, but compliance is often poor. There are many documented challenges to effectively implementing traditional evidence-based interventions in shelter settings. In the current project, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial. Adults currently experiencing homelessness who report hazardous alcohol use (N = 600) will be recruited from five shelters across the Dallas, TX and Oklahoma City, OK metropolitan areas. Individuals will attend screening and training visits, then complete one week of self-monitoring (via smartphone app) before being randomized to receive either standard shelter-based treatment (Usual Care; UC), or the Smart-T Alcohol intervention + UC. The Smart-T Alcohol intervention offers on-demand content and automated contextually tailored messages to reduce alcohol consumption. The intervention period will span eight-weeks (i.e., weeks 2-9), with follow-up assessments occurring at weeks 9, 13, and 26. All participants will complete brief daily smartphone-based surveys for 13 weeks. Aims of the project will be to assess the effects of the Smart-T Alcohol intervention on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems (Aim 1), intervention effects on key drinking risk indicators and their mediation of use outcomes (Aim 2), and identify specific subpopulations (e.g., women, racial/ethnic minorities, younger adults; Exploratory Aim 3) for which the intervention is most effective. Findings will provide a rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of the Smart-T Alcohol intervention and guide future smartphone-based interventions for this population.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 who are experiencing homelessness, have an alcohol use disorder, and are currently receiving shelter-based services. Participants must be able to read at a basic level, have no significant cognitive impairment, and have consumed alcohol in the past week.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training and Baseline Monitoring
Participants receive training on the smartphone-based assessment platform and complete daily EMAs for baseline data collection
Treatment
Participants receive either Usual Care or Usual Care plus the Smart-T Alcohol intervention for alcohol use reduction
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with follow-up assessments
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Smart-T Alcohol
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Oklahoma
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator