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Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of Opioid Use Disorder Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: An RCT Examining Biopsychosocial Mechanisms
Led by Ohio State University · Updated on 2025-09-22
300
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Youth experiencing homelessness face many challenges including high rates of substance use and mental health disorders, which can have long-lasting effects on their well-being. This research aims to study a comprehensive prevention program that targets social factors affecting these youth to improve their health outcomes. The study uses a dismantling design to identify which parts of the intervention are most effective in reducing opioid misuse and improving mental health among homeless youth aged 14 to 24 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: Motivational Interviewing combined with the Community Reinforcement Approach plus usual services; Strengths-Based Outreach and Advocacy plus usual services; a combination of all three interventions; or usual services alone offered by a community drop-in center. The interventions include counseling sessions, advocacy to help meet basic needs and connect with resources, and usual drop-in center support. The study evaluates how these approaches impact opioid use disorder prevention and mental health outcomes. Youth will be assessed at the start and then again at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months to monitor substance use, mental health, and overall well-being. Assessments include interviews about substance use, questionnaires for depression and anxiety, and health surveys. The study also explores how factors like age, sex, and past experiences affect responses to the interventions. Researchers will track costs to help guide future programs for homeless youth.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of Opioid Use Disorder Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Youth must meet the criteria for homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act: lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or living in a welfare hotel, a place without regular sleeping accommodations, or in a shared residence due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Must speak English adequately to complete study measures
- Aged between 14 and 24 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Youth who have a stable housing situation
- Non-English speakers
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Duration varies based on intervention components
Participants receive behavioral interventions including Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement Approach, and/or Strengths-Based Outreach and Advocacy depending on their assigned group. The number and frequency of sessions vary based on the intervention type and individual needs.
Multiple sessions including 2 Motivational Interviewing sessions and up to 12 Community Reinforcement Approach sessions; Strengths-Based Outreach and Advocacy sessions are flexibly scheduled based on youth needs
Duration - Up to 24 months post intervention
Participants are monitored with assessments on substance use, mental health, and related outcomes at multiple time points after the intervention.
Assessments at baseline, and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Star House
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43201
Actively Recruiting
2
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jodi Ford, PhD
N
Natasha Slesnick, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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