WORTH Paths: digital support for women with substance use and contraception needs
Adaptation of a Digital Group-Based Intervention to Reduce Drug Use and Increase Contraceptive Use Among Reproductive-Aged Women Involved in Criminal Justice Systems
This study tests whether WORTH Paths, a brief digital group program, can help reproductive-aged women involved in the criminal legal system reduce drug use and increase use of contraception.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Fairleigh Dickinson University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Teaneck, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06889831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
WORTH Paths is a digital adaptation of the evidence-based WORTH intervention, expanded to address a full range of contraceptive options alongside strategies to reduce substance use. In a randomized design, 50 participants will be assigned to the WORTH Paths intervention (three facilitated virtual group sessions) or an active wellness group, with feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary behavioral outcomes tracked over follow-up. Eligibility focuses on English-speaking people assigned female at birth, ages 18–44, with past-year criminal legal involvement, current DSM-5 substance use disorder, and an unmet need for contraception. The study measures changes in drug use and contraceptive uptake as well as participant engagement and satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals assigned female at birth, aged 18–44, with past-year criminal legal involvement, a current DSM-5 substance use disorder, sexually active with an unmet need for contraception, and able to provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People who are currently pregnant or trying to conceive, have diagnosed infertility, cannot provide informed consent, or are unable or unwilling to attend virtual sessions are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase contraceptive use and reduce drug use by offering accessible, tailored digital group support for justice-involved women.
How similar studies have performed: The original WORTH intervention has demonstrated success increasing condom use, but this digital adaptation targeting broader contraceptive uptake plus substance use reduction is a novel approach with limited prior testing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex at birth * Aged 18-44 years * Past year criminal legal involvement (e.g., incarceration or community supervision) * Meets criteria for current substance use disorder (SUD) as defined by DSM-5 and assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) * Meets criteria for unmet need for contraception (capable of pregnancy, sexually active, does not want to become pregnant within the next year, but is currently not using contraception) * Able to read, write, and speak English * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Currently pregnant or actively trying to conceive * Diagnosed infertility (e.g., menopause, tubal ligation, hysterectomy) * Unable to provide informed consent due to significant cognitive impairment, mental health condition, or substance intoxication * Unable or unwilling to meet study requirements (e.g., attend sessions, complete assessments)
Where this trial is running
Teaneck, New Jersey
- Fairleigh Dickinson University — Teaneck, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa N Slavin, PhD — Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Study coordinator: Melissa N Slavin, PhD
- Email: m.slavin@fdu.edu
- Phone: 201-692-2301
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.