Behavioral intervention to reduce risky firearm carriage among youth
IntERact: Preventing Risky Firearm Behaviors Among Urban Youth Seeking Emergency Department Care
This study is testing a new program using therapy and a smartphone app to help young people aged 16-24 in high-risk areas reduce dangerous behaviors related to carrying firearms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05109325 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention aimed at reducing risky firearm behaviors in youth aged 16-24 who have reported recent firearm carriage and own a smartphone. The intervention includes three remote therapy sessions that utilize motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and care management, all supported by a smartphone app. The app facilitates therapist contact, conducts daily assessments, and provides tailored content and notifications based on the user's location. Recruitment will occur in high-risk communities, specifically Flint and Saginaw, through local emergency departments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 16-30 from Flint or Saginaw who have reported recent firearm carriage and own a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients who are incarcerated or presenting with active suicide ideation, sexual assault, or child abuse will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths among high-risk youth.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions to address risky behaviors, but this specific approach is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Flint or Saginaw Youth between the ages of 16 to 30 reporting past 3-month firearm carriage and ownership of a smartphone, including those seeking care for any reason at Hurley Medical Center or Covenant Medical Center Emergency Department. * Can provide consent (age: 18-30) or youth assent and parental consent (age: 16-17) for the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Incarcerated (i.e., in active policy custody and not able to provide informed consent) * Presenting to the ED for active suicide ideation or attempt, sexual assault, and/or child abuse * Unable to provide informed consent due to mental status (e.g., alcohol intoxication, acute psychosis) or medical instability. * Participants will be excluded if firearm carriage is exclusively for legal work (e.g., police), hunting, or target shooting.
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan and 2 other locations
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
- Hurley Medical Center — Flint, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
- Covenant Medical Center — Saginaw, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Carter, M.D. — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Lynn Massey
- Email: lsmassey@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-615-8706
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.