Virtual reality tool for young people at risk of substance use and HIV
Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Tool for At-Risk Trauma-Exposed Young People
This study is testing a virtual reality tool to see if it can help young people at risk of substance use and HIV make safer choices after experiencing trauma.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05816083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and evaluate a virtual reality tool designed to address HIV and substance use risk behaviors among at-risk young people who have experienced psychosocial trauma. Participants, including young men who have sex with men and adolescents with substance use disorders, will engage in three sessions involving informed consent, baseline assessments, and the use of the virtual reality tool. The study will gather qualitative and quantitative data to refine the tool and assess its effectiveness in promoting safer behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young men who have sex with men or adolescents aged 15-30 with a history of substance use and psychosocial trauma.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as young men who have sex with men or do not have a history of substance use or trauma may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an innovative intervention to reduce substance use and HIV risk behaviors among vulnerable youth.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in behavioral health interventions is emerging, this specific approach targeting trauma-exposed youth is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for YMSM are as follows: * Someone who identifies as a YMSM or identifies as someone with romantic or physical attraction to individuals who identify as men * Is aged 15-30 years * Have experienced at least one ITE in lifetime (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, witnessed domestic or community violence) * Report being consensually sexually active or planning to become sexually active with a partner in the next 12 months * Live in the Charleston, SC/Tri-county area Inclusion Criteria for adolescents with SUD are as follows: * Someone who reports using substances in the past year (for participants ages 15-17) or the past 6 months (for participants ages 18-30) * Is aged 15-30 years * Have experienced at least one ITE in lifetime (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, witnessed domestic or community violence) * Report being consensually sexually active or planning to become sexually active with a partner in the next 12 months * Live in the Charleston, SC/Tri-county area Inclusion Criteria for front line healthcare workers are as follows: * works directly with adolescents who have experienced ITE and/or * works directly with adolescents or young adults with SUD and/or * works directly with YMSM and/or * works directly with and/or adolescent or young adults who are HIV-positive Exclusion Criteria for all participants are as follows: * exhibits psychotic symptoms; * exhibits significant cognitive disability; * reports a history of Pervasive Developmental Disorder; * has active suicidal or homicidal ideations * self-reports high levels of motion sickness
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Danielson — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Charli Kirby, BA
- Email: kirbych@musc.edu
- Phone: (843) 408-6140
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.