Optimization of a Preconception E-intervention for Marijuana Use

• Main Author: Graham, Amy E.
• Language: EN
• Published: Wayne State University 2018
• Subjects: Clinical psychology
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10931721

<p> <i><b>Introduction:</b></i> Preconception interventions targeting substance use as well as effective contraception are important to improve the health of both the mother and her offspring, or to reduce unintended pregnancies. Computer-delivered interventions have been shown to be effective in the reducing the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies. However, little is known about the effect of specific computer-delivered intervention components and if/how they contribute to the desired intervention outcome. This study experimentally evaluated the contribution of two common intervention factors (empathy and video) of a motivational e-intervention for marijuana and contraception use. </p><p> <i><b>Methods:</b></i> One hundred sixty-six females who reported using marijuana in the last 6 months and having intercourse without reliable contraception in the last 12 months were recruited from a large urban university. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four intervention conditions: empathy, video, both empathy and video, or neither. The main and interaction effects of empathy and video on pre-post intervention change of intent to use marijuana in the next 30 days and intent to contact a physician about making an appointment to discuss contraception methods in the next 30 days was evaluated. </p><p> <i><b>Results:</b></i> The main effect of empathy and the main effect of video on mean change of intention to use marijuana in the next 30 days was not statistically significant, (<i>F</i>(1,162) = .063, <i> p</i> = .802, partial &eta;² = .000, and _F(1,162) = .198, <i>p</i> = .657, partial &eta;² = .001), respectively. The main effect of empathy and the main effect of video on mean change of intention to contact a physician to schedule an appointment to discuss contraception in the next 30 days were also not statistically significant, (<i>F</i>(1,162) = .004, <i>p</i> = .987, partial &eta;² = .00 and <i>F</i>(1,162) = .540, _p = .464, partial &eta;² = .003), respectively. The interaction between empathy and video for both the pre-post intervention change of intention to use marijuana in the next 30 days and for pre to post intervention change of intention to contact a physician to schedule an appointment to discuss LARC in the next 30 days was not significant. </p><p> <i><b>Conclusion:</b></i> Continued research is needed to evaluate the contributions of empathy and video in computer-delivered intervention in order to identify and optimize the factors that contribute to the videos effect. Examining the effectiveness of specific components will contribute to a greater understanding of how behavioral health interventions can employ technology in ways that are increasingly evidence-based and optimally effective. </p><p>