Understanding the risks of injection drug use in real-time

Contextual factors of the risk environment surrounding injection drug use: A real-time approach

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10471359

This study looks at how things in your environment, like your surroundings and feelings, can affect the way people use drugs, especially during the opioid crisis, to help find ways to reduce risky behaviors like sharing needles and improve health for those who inject drugs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10471359 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the environmental factors that contribute to the risks associated with injection drug use, particularly in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis. By utilizing ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the study collects real-time data from individuals in their natural environments, capturing how their surroundings and emotional states influence their drug use behaviors. The research aims to identify high-risk practices, such as sharing needles or combining substances, to better understand and address the health risks of viral and bacterial infections among people who inject drugs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are at risk for viral or bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in injection drug use or are not at risk for related infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and policies that reduce the health risks associated with injection drug use.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using ecological momentary assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding real-time behaviors and risks in other health contexts.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.