Using mobile apps to help homeless youth avoid drug use

Street Experiences, Affect, and Coping: Harnessing Computational Models for the Development of a Cellphone-Based Intervention to Prevent Drug Use among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-10873197

This study is looking to help young people who are homeless and dealing with substance use by creating a supportive app that understands their feelings and experiences, so they can make healthier choices.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lincoln, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873197 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on youth experiencing homelessness and their struggles with substance use, including alcohol and drugs. It aims to develop a cellphone-based intervention that leverages computational models to understand the factors influencing coping behaviors and affect regulation among these youth. By identifying the connections between their experiences, mental health, and substance use, the project seeks to create a supportive tool that can help them make healthier choices. The approach combines insights from psychology and technology to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12-24 who are currently experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance use.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing homelessness or do not have issues with substance use may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide homeless youth with effective tools to prevent drug use and improve their mental health.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using mobile apps for this population is relatively novel, similar interventions targeting substance use in other youth populations have shown promise.

Where this research is happening

Lincoln, 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 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.