Computer-delivered screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) for postpartum drug use: a randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Substance Use Disorders
• Perinatal Health

Background:

• Electronic screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) shows promise for addressing substance use.
• Previous research indicated a single 20-minute e-SBI session could be effective for drug use in postpartum women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate previous findings on the efficacy of a single 20-minute e-SBI for drug use among postpartum women.
• To evaluate the durability of e-SBI effects at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 143 postpartum women with drug use criteria.
• Participants were assigned to a tailored e-SBI or a time-matched control group.
• Blinded follow-up evaluations included confirmed illicit drug use abstinence and hair analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant illicit drug use abstinence was observed at 3 months (OR=3.3, p=.01) and 6 months via hair analysis (OR=4.8, p=.018).
• Other primary outcomes favored e-SBI but did not reach statistical significance.
• The study replicated previous findings but did not demonstrate durable effects.

Conclusions:

• While e-SBI shows initial promise for postpartum drug use, durable effects were not established in this replication.
• Factors such as assessment reactivity, e-SBI design, and tailored messaging require further investigation.
• Future research should explore strategies to enhance the long-term efficacy of e-SBI in this population.