VIP Program for Risky Behaviors

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Miami

Disqualifiers: Outside Miami-Dade, Non-English, Elementary, High-income

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 26 weeks

150 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to review and assess the usefulness of the Values in Perspective (VIP) program to avoid adolescent risky behaviors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the VIP Program treatment for risky behaviors?

Programs that focus on patient education and involvement in treatment, like the VIP Program, have shown positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms and increased engagement and recovery after hospitalization. Additionally, continuity of care in mental health treatments is linked to better outcomes, suggesting that structured programs can be effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the VIP Program treatment differ from other treatments for risky behaviors?

The VIP Program is unique because it focuses on teaching adolescents life skills and competencies to resist peer pressure and advertising influences related to smoking, alcohol, and drug use. It also involves training peer leaders to act as role models, which is different from traditional treatments that may not emphasize peer influence and social skills development. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Research Team

Guerda Nicolas

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking middle and high school students in grades 6-12 who live in Miami-Dade County and qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a lower-income household. It's not open to elementary students, those from high-income families, or non-English speakers.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be able to speak and read English proficiently.

A youth residing in Miami-Dade County.

I am a student in grades 6-12 and qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Exclusion Criteria

Does not reside in Miami-Dade County.

In elementary school.

Does not comprehend, speak, or read English proficiently.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 26-week course on risk reduction strategies as part of the VIP program

26 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• VIP Program

Trial Overview The VIP Program is being evaluated to see if it helps prevent risky behaviors in adolescents. The study will involve participants going through the program and then assessing its effectiveness.

Participant Groups

Group I: VIP Program Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive a 26 week course on risk reduction strategies.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

Findings from Research

A quality improvement project involving 124 psychiatric patients showed that individualized safety plans created during inpatient treatment were well-tailored, scoring an average of 32.85 out of 44 on a customization rubric.

Postdischarge, 96.1% of patients retained their safety plans, and 36.8% reported using them, with 67.9% of those users finding the plans helpful, indicating that these plans can support recovery after hospitalization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bridging the Gap Between Individualized Inpatient Safety Planning and Postdischarge Efficacy. Leonard, J., Chiappetta, L., Stark, S., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transitional care: a new approach to aftercare. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bridging the Gap Between Individualized Inpatient Safety Planning and Postdischarge Efficacy. [2023]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Measurable results: Reducing staff injuries on a specialty psychiatric unit for patients with developmental disabilities. [2016]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating and improving VA substance abuse patients' care. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of an Innovative Model of Care for a Limited-Stay Pediatric Unit. [2021]

6. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results of prevention programs with adolescents. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive youth development programs targeting students with greater psychosocial needs: subjective outcome evaluation. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive youth development programs targeting students with greater psychosocial needs: a replication. [2021]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Review of Personality-Targeted Interventions for Prevention of Substance Misuse and Related Harm in Community Samples of Adolescents. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment and treatment of violence-prone forensic clients: an integrated approach. [2018]