Cell phones for ecological momentary assessment with cocaine-addicted homeless patients in treatment.
This is the first study to examine whether cell phones could be used to collect ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data with homeless crack cocaine-addicted adults in treatment. The study adapted an EMA method to examine behavior in real time using cell phones and computer-automated telephone interviewing. Participants treated in an intensive outpatient treatment program were given cell phones for a 2-week period to record current states of cocaine craving and using episodes. Results showed cell phone technology could reliably deliver a computerized survey; this homeless population would use a cell phone to report craving and using episodes, and drug use reported via EMA was in agreement with urine toxicology results for 73% of participants. Of 30 participants, 24 (80%) completed the full 2-week protocol. Participants indicated the survey made them more aware of phenomena leading to cravings and use, suggesting the usefulness of EMA as a potential intervention.
Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA. michelle.freedman@med.va.gov
Michelle J
MJ
Freedman
Kristin M
KM
Lester
Cecelia
C
McNamara
Jesse B
JB
Milby
Joseph E
JE
Schumacher
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D040421:Cell Phone; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors