Peer-Based Motivational Interview for Sexual Violence

(COAST Trial)

Overseen By Jennifer P Read, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: State University of New York at Buffalo

Disqualifiers: Withdrawal symptoms, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

24 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new approach called Military PAIRS (MPAIRS) to determine its effectiveness in reducing sexual violence and risky drinking among military members. Participants will first discuss their experiences with these issues and then engage in the MPAIRS program. After a month, they will return to assess any changes. The trial seeks active duty U.S. Navy service members who frequently engage in risky drinking and have a buddy they see at least twice a month. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could benefit military communities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on risky drinking and peer-based interventions.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for military contexts?

Research shows that motivational interviewing, such as the Military PAIRS (MPAIRS) program, is generally manageable for participants. Studies on similar programs aimed at preventing sexual violence have not identified any serious safety issues. For instance, one study examined motivational interviewing for preventing sexual assault in military settings and reported no major negative effects. Another study found that these programs can encourage bystander intervention, although evidence on their effectiveness in reducing sexual assault remains limited.

Since this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, it is likely in the early stages of research, resulting in less detailed safety information. However, the absence of serious side effects in similar studies suggests that the program is safe to try. Participants can feel reassured that these programs are designed to be low-risk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Peer-Based Motivational Interview (PMI) for addressing sexual violence because it introduces a unique, peer-driven approach unlike traditional therapy methods, which often involve professional therapists or counselors. This method leverages the power of peer influence and support, potentially increasing engagement and relatability among participants. By focusing on motivational interviewing, PMI aims to empower individuals through conversation and personal motivation, which could lead to more sustainable behavioral changes compared to conventional approaches.

What evidence suggests that the Military PAIRS (MPAIRS) intervention is effective for reducing sexual violence and risky drinking?

Research has shown that motivational interviewing can help reduce risky behaviors such as alcohol misuse and sexual violence. Previous studies have found similar methods promising in changing harmful habits by encouraging individuals to reflect on their actions and set goals, with peer support. The military has used this approach to address issues like sexual assault and harassment. Although more research is needed, early results suggest that peer-based motivational strategies might help decrease these behaviors. In this trial, participants will engage in the Peer-Based Motivational Interview (PMI) intervention, which includes the Military PAIRS (MPAIRS), a modified version specifically designed for military settings to address these issues with a customized approach. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jennifer P Read, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University at Buffalo

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for military personnel interested in reducing sexual violence (SV) and risky drinking behaviors. Participants should be willing to discuss their SV history and alcohol use, receive the Military PAIRS intervention, and provide follow-up information after one month.

Inclusion Criteria

Have an eligible peer and the pair must socialize together at least twice a month

Enlisted U.S. Navy service members on active duty status

I drink alcohol at levels considered risky (men: score 4+, women: score 2+ on AUDIT-C).

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals who endorse evidence of withdrawal (Item 6 on the AUDIT)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Peer-Based Motivational Interview (PMI) Intervention

Participants engage in a peer-based motivational interview designed to reduce sexual violence risk and address alcohol use as a barrier to intervention.

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in readiness to intervene, assault protective strategies, and alcohol protective strategies.

1 month

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Military PAIRS (MPAIRS)

Trial Overview

The study is testing a peer-based motivational interview technique called Military PAIRS. It aims to determine if this approach can effectively reduce instances of sexual violence and decrease risky drinking among military members.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Peer-Based Motivational Interview (PMI) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Will participate in the Peer-Based Motivational Interview (PMI) intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

State University of New York at Buffalo

Lead Sponsor

Trials

279

Recruited

52,600+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07261722?locStr=United+States&country=United+States

Collaborative Opportunities for Reducing Alcohol and ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to test if a modified peer-based motivational intervention (the Military PAIRS; MPAIRS) is reasonable and ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11558222/

Short-Term Outcomes of a Healthy Relationship ...

More rigorous research is needed to determine X-CoRe's impact on SH and SA victimization and the long-term impact on associated psychosocial determinants.

3.

digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu

digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1796&context=uthsph_docs

Short-Term Outcomes of a Healthy Relationship Intervention ...

Background: Sexual harassment (SH) and sexual assault (SA) are serious public health problems among US service members.

4.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/340568889_Sexual_Assault_Prevention_A_Randomized_Control_Trial_of_a_Standard_Military_Intervention_and_a_Motivational_Interview_Enhancement

Sexual Assault Prevention: A Randomized Control Trial of ...

This randomized controlled trial examined the potential efficacy of the 2015 United States Air Force (USAF) SAPP compared to that same program with an ...

5.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32273381/

Sexual Assault Prevention: A Randomized Control Trial of ...

This randomized controlled trial examined the potential efficacy of the 2015 United States Air Force (USAF) SAPP compared to that same program ...

6.

ed.buffalo.edu

ed.buffalo.edu/content/dam/ed/alberti/docs/conference/LivingstonReadPresentationSlides.pdf

using motivational interviewing & bystander intervention to ...

prevention. □ Some efficacy in changing bystander intentions. Limited evidence in reducing sexual assault (Coker et al 2017).