Workshop training in contingency management: Initial effects on the attitudes, knowledge, self-efficacy, and adoption readiness of community addiction treatment personnel

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS is one of the most substantial socioeconomic health issues in many countries all around the world. Objectives: This study aimed to address the factors affecting AIDS preventive behaviors in women who had addicted husbands using the health belief model (HBM) in Sarbishe and Birjand cities, Iran, in 2019. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 224 women who had addicted husbands. A convenience sampling method was used, and all women whose husbands were under the support of the public and private addiction treatment centers were entered into the study. Data collection tools included a questionnaire of demographic items, HBM constructs, knowledge, and AIDS preventive behaviors. The collected data were analyzed using a correlation test and a regression model. The p value was considered less than 0.05 to be significant. Results: The respondents' mean age was 37.77 ± 8.97 years. Most women (93.8%) were housekeepers, and 54% of them had self-employed husbands. Most women (61.6%) and their husbands (58.9%) had an education level of under-diploma. Based on the regression model, the most important predictors of AIDS preventive behaviors included perceived self-efficacy (B = 0.231), education level (B = 0.196), and income (B = -0.154). Conclusions: Research findings confirm the association between perceived self-efficacy, education level, income, and adopting AIDS preventive behaviors. The obtained results can be used to develop theory-based interventions to shape AIDS preventive behaviors in high-risk groups.

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Virtual Reality Cue Refusal Video Game for Alcohol and Cigarette Recovery Support: Summative Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.9231 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Mary Metcalf ◽

Karen Rossie ◽

Katie Stokes ◽

Christina Tallman ◽

Bradley Tanner

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Side Effects ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Video Game ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Addiction Treatment ◽

New Technologies ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Sampling Technique

BACKGROUND New technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and video games hold promise to support and enhance individuals in addiction treatment and recovery. Quitting or decreasing cigarette or alcohol use can lead to significant health improvements for individuals, decreasing heart disease risk and cancer risks (for both nicotine and alcohol use), among others. However, remaining in recovery from use is a significant challenge for most individuals. OBJECTIVE We developed and assessed the Take Control game, a partially immersive Kinect for Windows platform game that allows users to counter substance cues through active movements (hitting, kicking, etc). METHODS Formative analysis during phase I and phase II guided development. We conducted a small wait-list control trial using a quasi-random sampling technique (systematic) with 61 participants in recovery from addiction to alcohol or tobacco. Participants used the game 3 times and reported on substance use, cravings, satisfaction with the game experience, self-efficacy related to recovery, and side effects from exposure to a virtual reality intervention and substance cues. RESULTS Participants found the game engaging and fun and felt playing the game would support recovery efforts. On average, reported substance use decreased for participants during the intervention period. Participants in recovery for alcohol use saw more benefit than those in recovery for tobacco use, with a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy, attitude, and behavior during the intervention. Side effects from the use of a virtual reality intervention were minor and decreased over time; cravings and side effects also decreased during the study. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary results suggest the intervention holds promise as an adjunct to standard treatment for those in recovery, particularly from alcohol use.

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