Acceptability of a web-based community reinforcement approach for substance use disorders with treatment-seeking American Indians/Alaska Natives

Community Ment Health J. 2015 May;51(4):393-403. doi: 10.1007/s10597-014-9764-1. Epub 2014 Jul 15.

Abstract

Longstanding disparities in substance use disorders and treatment access exist among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Computerized, web-delivered interventions have potential to increase access to quality treatment and improve patient outcomes. Prior research supports the efficacy of a web-based version [therapeutic education system (TES)] of the community reinforcement approach to improve outcomes among outpatients in substance abuse treatment; however, TES has not been tested among AI/AN. The results from this mixed method acceptability study among a diverse sample of urban AI/AN (N = 40) show that TES was acceptable across seven indices (range 7.8-9.4 on 0-10 scales with 10 indicating highest acceptability). Qualitative interviews suggest adaptation specific to AI/AN culture could improve adoption. Additional efforts to adapt TES and conduct a larger effectiveness study are warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alaska
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / psychology*
  • Internet*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Substance-Related Disorders / ethnology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Young Adult