Preventing opioid use disorder in homeless youth

Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of Opioid Use Disorder Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: An RCT Examining Biopsychosocial Mechanisms

NA · Ohio State University · NCT06311838

This study is testing different support methods to help homeless youth avoid opioid use and improve their mental health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University (other)
Locations2 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06311838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on youth experiencing homelessness, aiming to prevent opioid use disorder and improve mental health outcomes. It employs a dismantling randomized design to compare various intervention components, including Strengths-Based Outreach and Advocacy and Motivational Interviewing/Community Reinforcement Approach. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing social stability and psychosocial resources while reducing stress among participants. Additionally, it will explore how demographic factors influence the response to these interventions and evaluate their cost-effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 14 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act.

Not a fit: Patients with stable housing situations will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce opioid use and improve mental health among homeless youth.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on comprehensive interventions for this population, similar approaches have shown promise in addressing substance use and mental health issues.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Youth must meet the criteria for homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act: children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or live in a welfare hotel, or place without regular sleeping accommodations, or live in a shared residence with other persons due to the loss of one's housing or economic hardship
* Must speak english adequately to complete measures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Youth who have a stable housing situation.
* Non-English speaker

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Housing Problems, Mental Disorder in Adolescence, Risk Behavior, Homelessness, youth experiencing homelessness, social determinants of health

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.