Promoting health behavior change in adolescents using interactive narratives

Promoting Adolescent Health Behavior Change With Clinically Integrated Sample-Efficient Policy Gradient Methods

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT04110756

This study is testing a new interactive program that helps teenagers change their health habits, especially around alcohol use, to see if it can make them healthier during their doctor visits.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT04110756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project focuses on developing and evaluating a health behavior change system specifically designed for adolescents, leveraging machine learning and interactive narratives. The CHANGEGRADIENTS system aims to provide personalized feedback to adolescents regarding their health behaviors, particularly concerning alcohol use. By integrating this system into clinical settings, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of health interventions during routine healthcare visits. The project will assess the impact of this innovative approach on reducing risky behaviors and improving overall adolescent health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 15 to 17 who report current alcohol use and are attending a well-visit at UCSF Pediatric primary care clinics.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English may not benefit from this study due to language barriers in the intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce alcohol use and risky behaviors among adolescents, leading to improved health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology and behavioral interventions for health behavior change in adolescents, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17 years of age
* Report current alcohol use
* Presenting for a well-visit at UCSF Pediatric primary care clinics (the Mt. Zion Pediatric Primary Care Practices at UCSF and The Adolescent/Young Adult Clinic at UCSF)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speakers

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

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: Alcohol Drinking, Self Efficacy, Adolescent Behavior, Risk-Taking, Cancer, Alcohol- Prevention/Control, Adolescent behavior, Video games- psychology

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.