Peer-based program to reduce alcohol-related sexual violence among Navy enlisted members
Official title: Harnessing the Power of Military Peers to Reduce Sexual Violence and Risky Drinking in Service Members
Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT07261722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test a modified peer-based motivational program (MPAIRS) to see if it helps active-duty Navy enlisted members who drink at risky levels reduce sexual violence risk and risky drinking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | State University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07261722 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Enlisted active-duty U.S. Navy members who meet risky-drinking thresholds on the AUDIT-C (men ≥4, women ≥2) and can enroll with a peer they socialize with at least twice per month are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Those who are not active-duty Navy, do not drink at risky levels, cannot bring an eligible peer, or who report alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AUDIT item 6) are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The intervention adapts a peer-based motivational interview delivered to pairs of enlisted Navy peers to increase readiness and skills for preventing sexual assault and intervening when alcohol is involved. It explicitly addresses how intoxication can block bystander action and teaches practical strategies for overcoming those barriers. Twelve peer dyads will complete baseline measures of sexual violence history, risky drinking (AUDIT-C), readiness, and perceived barriers, receive the MPAIRS intervention, and repeat measures one month later. Outcomes will compare participants to themselves to determine whether readiness and prevention behaviors increase and perceived barriers and risky drinking decrease, with attention to effect direction and practical effect sizes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase peer intervention and lower both risky drinking and sexual violence incidents among service members.
How similar studies have gone: Peer-based motivational approaches and bystander programs have shown promise in civilian settings, but this specific alcohol-focused, peer-dyad intervention in a military population is novel and largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Enlisted U.S. Navy service members on active duty status * Meet criteria for risky drinking (i.e. score of 4+ for men, 2+ for women according to the AUDIT-C) * Have an eligible peer and the pair must socialize together at least twice a month Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who endorse evidence of withdrawal (Item 6 on the AUDIT)
Where it's running
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University at Buffalo Department of Psychology
Buffalo, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer P Read, Ph.D. — University at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Jennifer P Read, Ph.D.
- Email: jpread@buffalo.edu
- Phone: 7166450193
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.