scholarly journals Implementation and Evaluation of a Text Message–Based Addiction Counseling Program (Text4Hope-Addiction Support): Protocol for a Questionnaire Study

10.2196/22047 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e22047
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Demographic Correlates

Background With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing counseling to people with drug or alcohol addiction while maintaining physical distance has been challenging. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (as used in the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program) as a convenient, evidence-based, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention with high user satisfaction proven in prior research. Objective The project goal is to implement a program of daily supportive text messaging (Text4Hope-Addiction Support) to reduce drug or alcohol cravings as well as anxiety and depression, typically associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; demographic correlates of the same; and the outcomes of the Text4Hope-Addiction Support intervention in mitigating cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Methods Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess cravings for the primary substance of addiction (Brief Substance Craving Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Data will be collected at baseline (onset of receiving text messages), program midpoint (6 weeks), and program end (12 weeks). Results As of October 2020, data collection is in progress; and it is expected to be completed by fall 2021. Data analysis will include parametric and nonparametric techniques, focusing on primary outcomes (ie, cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and metrics of use, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. Conclusions This Text4Hope-Addiction Support project will provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among persons with alcohol and substance use disorders; demographic correlates of cravings, anxiety, and depression; and outcome data related to this scalable population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for addiction care practitioners; it will inform the policy and decision making regarding population-level addiction treatment and support during emergencies. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/22047

scholarly journals Implementation and Evaluation of a Text Message–Based Addiction Counseling Program (Text4Hope-Addiction Support): Protocol for a Questionnaire Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Demographic Correlates

BACKGROUND With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing counseling to people with drug or alcohol addiction while maintaining physical distance has been challenging. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (as used in the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program) as a convenient, evidence-based, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention with high user satisfaction proven in prior research. OBJECTIVE The project goal is to implement a program of daily supportive text messaging (Text4Hope-Addiction Support) to reduce drug or alcohol cravings as well as anxiety and depression, typically associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; demographic correlates of the same; and the outcomes of the Text4Hope-Addiction Support intervention in mitigating cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. METHODS Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess cravings for the primary substance of addiction (Brief Substance Craving Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Data will be collected at baseline (onset of receiving text messages), program midpoint (6 weeks), and program end (12 weeks). RESULTS As of October 2020, data collection is in progress; and it is expected to be completed by fall 2021. Data analysis will include parametric and nonparametric techniques, focusing on primary outcomes (ie, cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and metrics of use, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This Text4Hope-Addiction Support project will provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among persons with alcohol and substance use disorders; demographic correlates of cravings, anxiety, and depression; and outcome data related to this scalable population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for addiction care practitioners; it will inform the policy and decision making regarding population-level addiction treatment and support during emergencies. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/22047

scholarly journals Closing the COVID-19 Psychological Treatment Gap for Cancer Patients in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4Hope-Cancer Care (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Kelly Mrklas ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Close Relatives

BACKGROUND Cancer diagnoses and treatments usually engender significant anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients, close relatives, and caregivers. Providing psychological support during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents additional challenges due to self-isolation and social or physical distancing measures in place to limit viral spread. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (Text4Hope-Cancer Care) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. As demonstrated in previous research, this evidence-based program supports good outcomes and high user satisfaction. OBJECTIVE We will implement daily supportive text messaging as a way of reducing and managing anxiety and depression related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Alberta, Canada. Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, their demographic correlates, and Text4Hope-Cancer Care–induced changes in anxiety and depression will be evaluated. METHODS Alberta residents with a cancer diagnosis and the close relatives of those dealing with a cancer diagnosis can self-subscribe to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program by texting “CancerCare” to a dedicated text number. Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data will be collected at onset from individuals receiving text messages, and at the mid- and endpoints of the program (ie, at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Data will be analyzed with parametric and nonparametric statistics for primary outcomes (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms) and usage metrics, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. In addition, data mining and machine learning analysis will focus on determining subscriber characteristics that predict high levels of symptoms of mental disorders, and may subsequently predict changes in those measures in response to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program. RESULTS The first research stage, which was completed in April 2020, involved the creation and review of the supportive text messages and uploading of messages into a web-based text messaging service. The second stage, involving the launch of the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program, occurred in May 2020. CONCLUSIONS Text4Hope-Cancer Care has the potential to provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed or receiving care for cancer and their caregivers. The study will generate demographic correlates of anxiety and depression, and outcome data related to this scalable, population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for health care practitioners working in cancer care and may help inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for cancer care. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/20240

scholarly journals Closing the COVID-19 Psychological Treatment Gap for Cancer Patients in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4Hope-Cancer Care

10.2196/20240 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e20240
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Kelly Mrklas ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Close Relatives

Background Cancer diagnoses and treatments usually engender significant anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients, close relatives, and caregivers. Providing psychological support during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents additional challenges due to self-isolation and social or physical distancing measures in place to limit viral spread. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (Text4Hope-Cancer Care) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. As demonstrated in previous research, this evidence-based program supports good outcomes and high user satisfaction. Objective We will implement daily supportive text messaging as a way of reducing and managing anxiety and depression related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Alberta, Canada. Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, their demographic correlates, and Text4Hope-Cancer Care–induced changes in anxiety and depression will be evaluated. Methods Alberta residents with a cancer diagnosis and the close relatives of those dealing with a cancer diagnosis can self-subscribe to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program by texting “CancerCare” to a dedicated text number. Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data will be collected at onset from individuals receiving text messages, and at the mid- and endpoints of the program (ie, at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Data will be analyzed with parametric and nonparametric statistics for primary outcomes (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms) and usage metrics, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. In addition, data mining and machine learning analysis will focus on determining subscriber characteristics that predict high levels of symptoms of mental disorders, and may subsequently predict changes in those measures in response to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program. Results The first research stage, which was completed in April 2020, involved the creation and review of the supportive text messages and uploading of messages into a web-based text messaging service. The second stage, involving the launch of the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program, occurred in May 2020. Conclusions Text4Hope-Cancer Care has the potential to provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed or receiving care for cancer and their caregivers. The study will generate demographic correlates of anxiety and depression, and outcome data related to this scalable, population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for health care practitioners working in cancer care and may help inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for cancer care. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/20240

scholarly journals Closing the Psychological Treatment Gap During the COVID-19 Pandemic With a Supportive Text Messaging Program: Protocol for Implementation and Evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Population Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread globally with far-reaching, significant, and unprecedented impacts on health and everyday life. Threats to mental health, psychological safety, and well-being are now emerging, increasing the impact of this virus on world health. Providing support for these challenges is difficult because of the high number of people requiring support in the context of a need to maintain physical distancing. This protocol describes the use of SMS text messaging (Text4Hope) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. This program is evidence-based, with prior research supporting good outcomes and high user satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The project goal is to implement a program of daily supportive SMS text messaging (Text4Hope) to reduce distress related to the COVID-19 crisis, initially among Canadians. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; the demographic correlates of the same; and the outcomes of the Text4Hope intervention in mitigating distress will be evaluated. METHODS Self-administered anonymous online questionnaires will be used to assess stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale [GAD-7]), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). Data will be collected at baseline (onset of SMS text messaging), the program midpoint (6 weeks), and the program endpoint (12 weeks). RESULTS Data analysis will include parametric and nonparametric techniques, focusing on primary outcomes (ie, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and metrics of use, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. Given the large size of the data set, machine learning and data mining methods will also be used. CONCLUSIONS This COVID-19 project will provide key information regarding prevalence rates of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during the pandemic; demographic correlates of distress; and outcome data related to this scalable population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for practitioners and useful for informing policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions during the pandemic. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/19292

scholarly journals Closing the Psychological Treatment Gap During the COVID-19 Pandemic With a Supportive Text Messaging Program: Protocol for Implementation and Evaluation

10.2196/19292 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e19292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Population Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread globally with far-reaching, significant, and unprecedented impacts on health and everyday life. Threats to mental health, psychological safety, and well-being are now emerging, increasing the impact of this virus on world health. Providing support for these challenges is difficult because of the high number of people requiring support in the context of a need to maintain physical distancing. This protocol describes the use of SMS text messaging (Text4Hope) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. This program is evidence-based, with prior research supporting good outcomes and high user satisfaction. Objective The project goal is to implement a program of daily supportive SMS text messaging (Text4Hope) to reduce distress related to the COVID-19 crisis, initially among Canadians. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; the demographic correlates of the same; and the outcomes of the Text4Hope intervention in mitigating distress will be evaluated. Methods Self-administered anonymous online questionnaires will be used to assess stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale [GAD-7]), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). Data will be collected at baseline (onset of SMS text messaging), the program midpoint (6 weeks), and the program endpoint (12 weeks). Results Data analysis will include parametric and nonparametric techniques, focusing on primary outcomes (ie, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and metrics of use, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. Given the large size of the data set, machine learning and data mining methods will also be used. Conclusions This COVID-19 project will provide key information regarding prevalence rates of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during the pandemic; demographic correlates of distress; and outcome data related to this scalable population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for practitioners and useful for informing policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions during the pandemic. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/19292

scholarly journals Text4Hope: Receiving Daily Supportive Text Messages for 3 Months During the COVID-19 Pandemic Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent I.O. Agyapong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
Jasmine M. Noble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Report ◽  
General Anxiety Disorder ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Patient Health

Abstract Background: This study reports on the changes in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms of subscribers after 3 months using Text4Hope, a supportive text messaging program designed to provide support during the pandemic. Methods: Standardized self-report measures were used to evaluate perceived stress (measured with the Perceived Stress Scale-10 [PSS-10]), anxiety (measured with the General Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 [GAD-7]), and depressive symptoms (measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]), at baseline and 3rd month (n = 373). Results: After 3 months of using Text4Hope, subscribers’ self-reports revealed significant (p< 0.001) mean score reductions compared with baseline on: the GAD-7 by 22.7%, PHQ-9 by 10.3%, and PSS-10 scores by 5.7%. Reductions in inferred prevalence rates for moderate to high symptoms were also observed, with anxiety demonstrating the largest reduction (15.7%). Conclusions: Observed Text4Hope-related reductions in psychological distress during COVID-19 indicate that Text4Hope is an effective, convenient, and accessible means of implementing a population-level psychological intervention.

scholarly journals Co -occurring Mental Disorders among In-patients in a Substance use Disorder Treatment Center in Plateau State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-229
Author(s):  
D M Makput
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Functional Abnormality ◽  
Plateau State

Patients with psychoactive substance use disorders (SUD) often have co- occurring medical and mental disorders. This occurs as a result of a number of factors, for instance, drug abuse may facilitate the full expression of a latent psychiatric disorder; mental disorder may lead to SUD (drugs used for self- medication; or both SUD and mental disorders are caused by the same underlying brain deficit such as genetic vulnerability, neurotransmitter abnormality, structural or functional abnormality, and so on. After obtaining ethical clearance, the case notes of all patients who were admitted in the Centre for Addiction Treatment and Research, (CATR) Vom, Plateau state throughout the first quarter of year 2019 were traced. A systematic random sample of every third consecutive patient was selected beginning with the first patient admitted and relevant data were collected and analyzed. A total of fourty- eight (48) in-patients were analyzed. Ninety -four percent (94%) of the patients were males, the mean age of 23.6 + 5 years with 46% being below 25 years of age. Fourty-six percent (46%) had cannabis as their primary drug followed by alcohol (32%) and opioids (28%). Only 1 % had a history of injecting drug use. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of the SUD patients had co-occurring depression, nine percent (8%) had anxiety disorder, and five percent (4%) had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in addition to their substance use disorder. In line with sustainable development goals (SDG) goal 3.5 which seeks to “strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse including narcotics drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”; identifying co-occurring mental disorders among patients with substance use disorders is one way of moving closer towards achieving this SDG.

Individual and population level estimates of work loss and related economic costs due to mental and substance use disorders in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil

2022 ◽  
Vol 296 ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
Mariane Henriques França ◽  
Flavia Garcia Pereira ◽  
Yuan-Pang Wang ◽  
Laura Helena Andrade ◽  
Jordi Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Work Loss

Depression, Substance Use and Suicidality in Help-Seeking Adolescents: A Survey of Prevalence

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Cosgrave ◽  
Eóin Killackey ◽  
Alison Yung ◽  
Joe Buckby ◽  
Katherine Godfrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Public Mental Health

AbstractMental health problems affect a sizeable minority of Australian adolescents. Depression and substance use disorders are common mental disorders reported in this age group. Difficulties of this nature that manifest in adolescence will often continue into adulthood. This report describes a sample of adolescents referred to a public mental health service with respect to their psychiatric diagnoses, depressive symptoms, patterns of substance use and level of suicidality. Mood disorders and substance-use disorders were both prevalent in the sample of participants, with sizeable comorbidity reflected in the number ol participants meeting criteria for both of these diagnoses. Data revealed participants with a psychiatric diagnosis were significantly more likely to have made a suicide attempt than those with no diagnosis. High levels of depressive symptoms were associated with suicidality, illicit substance use, and the likelihood of having a psychiatric diagnosis. Heavy use of alcohol was prevalent in this group, but unrelated to the other variables of interest to the study. These results are discussed with respect to the importance of early detection of vulnerable students in a school setting.

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