Reach and Scalability of Digital Therapeutics for Childhood Behavior Problems
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
In this project, the investigators aim to test the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) system as a standalone versus coach-assisted intervention with the goal of achieving reach and scalability. Parents of children (ages 5-8) with disruptive behaviors (N = 324 subjects) will be randomly assigned to Group 1 (standalone app), Group 2 (coach-assisted app), or Group 3 (control app).
Description
In this project, the investigators aim to test the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) system as a standalone versus coach-assisted intervention with the goal of achieving reach and scalability. Aim 1 is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UseIt! mHealth system as both a standalone and coach-assisted intervention compared to a control app condition. Aim 2 is to assess target (parent management training/cognitive behavioral therapy skill acquisition and use) engagement and validation. Aim 3 is to evaluate the effectiveness of the components of the UseIt! mHealth system. The investigator…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 5–8 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Males or females between the ages of 5-8 years * Above the 90th percentile for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and/or conduct disorders (CD) on the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale * Residence with at least one parent/guardian at least 80% of the time * Parent/legal guardian consent for participation * Parent/guardian must have a smartphone device with daily internet access Exclusion Criteria: * A known preexisting behavioral or mental health diagnosis requiring alternative treatment (bipolar disorder, major depression, pervasive developmental disorder) * Currently in t…
Interventions
- BehavioralUseIt! App
The UseIt! app is a parenting app with evidence-based parent management content. The app runs on both Android and iOS devices. It includes a digital library of parent management skills, a trouble-shooting guide, a behavior diary, a point counter, and a skills-alarm.
- BehavioralCoach
The coach is be a bachelor's level paraprofessional with a degree in psychology or an allied discipline (e.g., social work) who provides support to parents. The coach will provide motivation and accountability but will not provide therapeutic/clinical support. The primary goal of the coach is to increase participant engagement with the UseIt! mHealth system.
- BehavioralSmilingMind App
The control app is a mindfulness app called SmilingMind. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Location
- Bellefield TowersPittsburgh, Pennsylvania