Joint Effort, a mobile application to support cannabis use self-management and reinforce the use of protective behavioral strategies: development process and usability testing (Preprint)

Опубликована: Янв. 31, 2025

Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis use (CU) has made even more evident the need for innovative interventions promoting lower-risk CU. Young adults 18 to 25 are age group with highest prevalence Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have been proven help manage CU and reduce negative consequences. To date, few focused on PBS. fill this gap, a mobile application (app) prototype using PBS as means influencing was developed young adults. describe development process usability testing Joint Effort, self-management app centered among adult past-month users (< 1 month). Intervention Mapping (IM) co-design approach were used. Six steps followed: 1) focus groups conducted identify needs preferences regarding interventions; 2) matrix change objectives used select target behaviors determinants; 3) theory-based intervention methods practical applications selected; 4) held validate structure examples tailored messages; 5) preliminary content created; 6) transposed prototype. Usability assessed through qualitative semi-structured interviews User Version Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) completed by sample 20 university students mean 21.8 years (median: 22), which 70% women 75% undergrads. Qualitative data analyzed thematic analysis. Four themes identified from interviews: Effort visually pleasing easy use; well-adapted audience non-judgmental; customization functions appreciated; helpful relevant initiate behavior change. The obtained quality score 4.43/5.0 (SD: 0.53) per item uMARS. Mean scores five subscales: engagement (4.14/5 ±0.53), functionality (4.60/5 ±0.47), aesthetics (4.53/5 ±0.52), information (4.44/5 ±0.61), subjective items (3.36/5 ±0.53). Our findings highlight added value IM that emphasizes importance incorporating user feedback in apps. On strength results obtained, since into an iOS further larger-scale evaluations ongoing assess its acceptability, feasibility, efficacy.

Язык: Английский

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Acceptability, feasibility, and outcome responsiveness of the Joint Effort mobile app for promoting lower-risk cannabis use among young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

Опубликована: Янв. 31, 2025

Cannabis use (CU) among young adults continues to be an important public health issue. Interventions support lower-risk CU during adulthood can improve outcomes. Mobile applications constitute a promising mode of service delivery. However, there is lack evidence-based apps specifically developed for adult cannabis users. The current study aimed evaluate the acceptability novel mobile app intervention (Joint Effort) and assess feasibility outcome responsiveness procedures used. A pilot with parallel-group randomized trial design was conducted Canadian-based university students aged 18¬–30 reporting using ≥1 day in past month. Participants were randomly assigned on 1:1 ratio either experimental group (EG) involving Joint Effort or control (CG) web-based brief normative feedback message. designed self-management. This theory-informed behavior change aims reinforce protective behavioral strategies (PBS) by targeting intention, attitude, social-norms self-efficacy. app’s assessed via uptake, engagement, appreciation. online recruitment time, rate, attrition rate. Outcome informed participant-reported outcomes: frequency, intention take action CU, PBS use, severity dependence, psychological distress. All data collected survey at baseline, one-month (T1) two-month (T2) post-baseline. Descriptive analyses carried out all period lasted 124 days, rate 55.6%. final dataset analyzed included 80 participants (39 EG 41 CG). Mean age 23.4 years (standard deviation (SD) = 2.57) 66% self-identified as women. Study 17.5% (14/80). User uptake (i.e. proportion who downloaded app) estimated 59% (23/39) average time spent it per participant 8.2 minutes (SD 7.3; median 7.5, interquartile range 5.7). obtained mean total score Engagement Scale - Short Form (UES-SF) 3.81/5 0.46) quality 4.20/5 end-user version App Rating (uMARS). reported daily month decreased from 12.8% baseline 4.2% T2 7.3% 5.6% CG. appears promising, acceptable, scalable help users wish better manage their CU. Findings should inform future controlled trials efficacy this mobile-based ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05099016

Язык: Английский

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Behavior Change Support Systems for Self-Treating Procrastination: Systematic Search in App Stores and Analysis of Motivational Design Archetypes

Journal of Medical Internet Research, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 27, С. e65214 - e65214

Опубликована: Фев. 20, 2025

Background The phenomenon of procrastination refers to an individual’s conscious decision postpone the completion tasks despite being aware its adverse consequences in future. Extant research this field shows that is associated with increased levels anxiety and stress likelihood developing depression calls for development suitable interventions support individuals making lasting positive changes their behaviors. In parallel, practice has produced a plethora behavior change systems (BCSSs) aim provide low-threshold, accessible alternative in-person therapeutic approaches. Most these BCSSs can be considered motivational combine functional, utilitarian components hedonic eudaimonic design elements empower self-treatment. Although early studies have suggested potential benefits such BCSSs, on understanding specific characteristics self-treating still infancy. Objective response gap between research, we aimed analyze systemize multitude practical efforts self-treatment identify main archetypes emerged. Methods We conducted 3-step approach. First, identified 127 apps through systematic screening process German US Apple App Store Google Play Store. Second, systematically coded terms techniques targeted by functional or elements. Third, 2-step cluster analysis combat procrastination. Results A variety designs been developed implemented practice, our five archetypes: (1) structured progress monitor, (2) self-improvement guide, (3) productivity adventure, (4) emotional wellness coach, (5) social focus companion. target different psychological determinants successfully use extend beyond current state research. Conclusions results study foundation future endeavors examine comparative effects develop more effective tailored individual needs. For practitioners, findings reveal contemporary space may serve as blueprints guide systems. seeking health professionals treating procrastination, systemizes landscape apps, thereby facilitating selection one best aligns patient’s

Язык: Английский

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Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Moderate Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Effects: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Young Adults

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Апрель 4, 2025

Язык: Английский

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“Stoned on the road”: A systematic review of cannabis-impaired driving educational initiatives targeting young drivers in Canada

International Journal of Drug Policy, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 142, С. 104835 - 104835

Опубликована: Май 17, 2025

With recreational cannabis legalized across Canada, concerns persist about youth driving under the influence of (DUIC). However, extent DUIC education and prevention efforts aimed at young Canadians remains unclear. This systematic review examines recent Canadian initiatives (2017 onwards) focused on reducing among youth. Specifically, we investigate (1) types target audiences, (2) content delivery methods, (3) sustainability, (4) evidence impact. A comprehensive search was conducted MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE (January 1, 2017-July 10, 2023), along with various grey literature sources. Initiatives were included if they targeted behaviour aged 16 to 24, developed delivered in Canada by reputable organizations or individuals institutional support, address its enabling conditions. Data extraction quality appraisal performed. Fifteen identified: seven educational programs eight awareness campaigns, encompassing national regional levels. Delivery methods in-person workshops, digital tools, online programs, smartphone applications. While some increased influenced perceptions DUIC, change remained limited. Challenges related particularly concerning long-term funding platform maintenance, noted. research highlights progress made addressing Canada. Examining current is crucial for refining strategies, shaping policy, allocating resources prioritize safety Canadians. Future should focus assessing behavioural impacts ensuring financial sustainability program longevity.

Язык: Английский

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Development process and usability testing of Joint Effort, a mobile application to support cannabis use self-management and reinforce the use of protective behavioral strategies (Preprint)

JMIR Formative Research, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 31, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Examining the Impact of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use on Alcohol Consumption and Consequences: Protocol for an Observational Ambulatory Assessment Study in Young Adults (Preprint)

JMIR Research Protocols, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 13, С. e58685 - e58685

Опубликована: Июль 5, 2024

Background There is significant conflicting evidence as to how using cannabis while drinking alcohol (ie, simultaneous and use) impacts volume consumed, patterns of drinking, alcohol-related consequences. The impact use on outcomes may be influenced by several within-person (eg, contextual) between-person (individual) factors. Objective This study was designed examine naturalistic understand outcomes. primary aims were the following: (1) if associated with increased consumption riskier (2) leads consequences, (3) contextual circumstances moderate Methods Data collection involves a 28-day ambulatory assessment protocol in which sample non–treatment-seeking young adults who report complete ecological momentary assessments (random, event-contingent, time-contingent surveys) use, contexts, motives, consequences their personal smartphones continuously wearing an biosensor bracelet. Participants also baseline assessment, brief internet-based check-in day 14, final session 28. Community-based recruitment strategies social media flyers) used enroll 95 participants obtain target 80, accounting for attrition. Results Recruitment data began May 2021 continued through June 2024. Initial results are expected October As March 2024, project had recruited 118 eligible participants, whom 94 (79.7%) completed study, exceeding initial projections time frame. Remaining will provide capacity probe cross-level interactions that not initially statistically powered. Strengths include rigorous collection, good retention compliance rates, faster-than-expected enrollment procedures, novel biosensor, successful adaptation procedures during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions first investigation assess key predictors well self-reported objective (via biosensor) measures patterns. this inform prevention efforts studies individuals engaged treatment. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/58685

Язык: Английский

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Behavior Change Support Systems for Self-Treating Procrastination: Systematic Search in App Stores and Analysis of Motivational Design Archetypes (Preprint)

Опубликована: Авг. 8, 2024

The phenomenon of procrastination refers to an individual’s conscious decision postpone the completion tasks despite being aware its adverse consequences in future. Extant research this field shows that is associated with increased levels anxiety and stress likelihood developing depression calls for development suitable interventions support individuals making lasting positive changes their behaviors. In parallel, practice has produced a plethora behavior change systems (BCSSs) aim provide low-threshold, accessible alternative in-person therapeutic approaches. Most these BCSSs can be considered motivational combine functional, utilitarian components hedonic eudaimonic design elements empower self-treatment. Although early studies have suggested potential benefits such BCSSs, on understanding specific characteristics self-treating still infancy. response gap between research, we aimed analyze systemize multitude practical efforts self-treatment identify main archetypes emerged. We conducted 3-step approach. First, identified 127 apps through systematic screening process German US Apple App Store Google Play Store. Second, systematically coded terms techniques targeted by functional or elements. Third, 2-step cluster analysis combat procrastination. A variety designs been developed implemented practice, our five archetypes: (1) structured progress monitor, (2) self-improvement guide, (3) productivity adventure, (4) emotional wellness coach, (5) social focus companion. target different psychological determinants successfully use extend beyond current state research. results study foundation future endeavors examine comparative effects develop more effective tailored individual needs. For practitioners, findings reveal contemporary space may serve as blueprints guide systems. seeking health professionals treating procrastination, systemizes landscape apps, thereby facilitating selection one best aligns patient’s

Язык: Английский

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Qualitative interviews with young adults at risk for psychosis and who use Cannabis: Informing the development of a mobile intervention

Addictive Behaviors, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 161, С. 108216 - 108216

Опубликована: Ноя. 20, 2024

Язык: Английский

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