Utilization of communication technology by patients enrolled in substance abuse treatment

作者：McClure Erin A^*; Acquavita Shauna P; Harding Emily; Stitzer Maxine L

来源：Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2013, 129(1-2): 145-150.

DOI：10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.10.003

• Mobile phones
• SMS text messaging
• Internet
• E-mail
• Substance abuse treatment
• Digital divide

Background: Technology-based applications represent a promising method for providing efficacious, widely available interventions to substance abuse treatment patients. However, limited access to communication technology (i.e., mobile phones, computers,. internet, and e-mail) could significantly impact the feasibility of these efforts, and little is known regarding technology utilization in substance abusing populations. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: A survey was conducted to characterize utilization of communication technology in 266 urban, substance abuse treatment patients enrolled at eight drug-free, psychosocial or opioid-replacement therapy clinics. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: Survey participants averaged 41 years of age and 57% had a yearly household income of less than $15,000. The vast majority reported access to a mobile phone (91%), and to SMS text messaging (79%). Keeping a consistent mobile phone number and yearly mobile contract was higher for White participants, and also for those with higher education, and enrolled in drug-free, psychosocial treatment. Internet, e-mail, and computer use was much lower (39-45%), with younger age, higher education and income predicting greater use. No such differences existed for the use of mobile phones however. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: Concern regarding the digital divide for marginalized populations appears to be disappearing with respect to mobile phones, but still exists for computer, internet, and e-mail access and use. Results suggest that mobile phone and texting applications may be feasibly applied for use in program-client interactions in substance abuse treatment. Careful consideration should be given to frequent phone number changes, access to technology, and motivation to engage with communication technology for treatment purposes.

• 出版日期2013-4-1