Digital Program to Reduce Self-Stigma and Support Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use Disorder

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a digital intervention called Enhearten designed to reduce self-stigma and improve substance use disorder SUD treatment and recovery outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women PPW with SUDs. The study will test how feasible, acceptable, and effective Enhearten is in supporting adherence to medications for addiction treatment MAT while addressing the unique challenges and stigma faced by PPW. This trial is a randomized controlled study conducted at multiple centers to examine these effects over time. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will use the Enhearten digital intervention with a stigma-focused ecological momentary intervention EMI that screens for feelings of stigma and provides just-in-time support, while the other group will be on a waitlist and receive access to Enhearten after the trial. Enhearten is tailored to encourage treatment retention and reduce self-stigma specifically for pregnant and postpartum women, adapting its features to their needs. During the study, participants will be monitored from baseline through six months after the intervention for changes in self-stigma and internalized stigma related to substance use. Researchers will also track medication use for addiction treatment, substance use and cravings, attitudes and self-efficacy towards treatment, mental health symptoms, and infant feeding intentions. The study will collect data on the usability and acceptability of the intervention from one to six months post-intervention. Overall participation will involve regular assessments to measure these outcomes and understand the interventions impact on recovery and treatment adherence.

A Digital Intervention to Decrease Self-Stigma Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women With Substance Use Disorder