A digital tool to help pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder reduce self-stigma
Official title: A digital intervention to decrease self-stigma among pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder
Funded at Rissana, LLC · NIH-11224099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful app called Enhearten for pregnant and new moms dealing with opioid use disorder, aiming to support them in overcoming feelings of shame and connect them with the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rissana, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $917,927 |
| NIH project number | 4R44DA055161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant and postpartum women who are experiencing opioid use disorder and struggle with feelings of self-stigma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum, or those who do not have opioid use disorder, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital intervention aimed at pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) and face self-stigma. The intervention, called Enhearten, will be enhanced with features that specifically address feelings of stigma through real-time support and screening. By utilizing an ecological momentary intervention (EMI), the project aims to provide timely assistance to these women, helping them engage more effectively with treatment and improve their overall health outcomes. The approach is designed to be sensitive to the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and treatment engagement of pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital interventions can effectively support behavioral changes and reduce stigma in similar populations, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rissana, LLC
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goodman, Micah — Rissana, LLC
- Study coordinator: Goodman, Micah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Telehealth Buprenorphine for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder
A national study at RAND is testing how delivering buprenorphine treatment through telehealth affects pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder.
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Digital tool to reduce self-stigma for pregnant/postpartum women with opioid use disorder
A digital program helps pregnant and new mothers with opioid use disorder feel better about themselves and stay connected to treatment.
-
Helping new parents recover from opioid use disorder with mobile therapy
This study is creating a helpful mobile app for new moms recovering from opioid use disorder, offering support and tools to help them stay on track during a challenging time after giving birth.
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Understanding how social connections affect recovery from opioid use disorder after childbirth
This study is looking at how having strong social connections can help new moms with opioid use disorder feel better and stay on track in their recovery during the months after giving birth, and it aims to find out the best ways to support them through this journey.
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Personalized treatment for women with opioid use disorder after childbirth
This study is looking to create better treatment plans for women with opioid use disorder after they give birth, by personalizing care to fit their unique needs and helping them stay healthy and supported during this important time.
-
Systems analysis to improve opioid use disorder care after jail release (SAIA-MOUD)
A program to help people with opioid use disorder get better, faster, and safer care after they leave jail.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.