EMA of Substance Use in Homeless Youth

Ecological Momentary Assessment of Substance Use in Homeless Youth

The proposed study will provide critical information on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design characteristics that promote retention in a vulnerable and under-represented population in research-youth experiencing homelessness. The study will use an EMA app to collect substance use, mood, craving, social surroundings, and trauma measures over a 14-day period in youth age 18-24 (n=40) recruited from Star House, a homeless youth drop-in center. Youth will be randomized in 2x2 factorial design (fixed incentive model vs. prize-based model; random assessment 3x vs. 6x per day).

Inclusion Criteria:

• currently homeless, defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
• report any of the following past-month frequencies of substance use (NIDA ASSIST screen) used in prior EMA studies: a) heavy episodic or "binge" drinking (≥4 drinks per day for women/≥5 drinks for men) ≥2 days per month ; b) marijuana use ≥2 days per week; or c) any illicit drug use.

Exclusion Criteria:

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