The proposed study will provide critical information on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design characteristics that promote retention in a vulnerable and under-represented population in research-youth experiencing homelessness. The study will use an EMA app to collect substance use, mood, craving, social surroundings, and trauma measures over a 14-day period in youth age 18-24 (n=40) recruited from Star House, a homeless youth drop-in center. Youth will be randomized in 2x2 factorial design (fixed incentive model vs. prize-based model; random assessment 3x vs. 6x per day).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Participants receive 3 EMA survey prompts daily for the duration of the study.
Participants receive 6 EMA survey prompts daily for the duration of the study.
Those assigned to the "fixed" incentive condition will earn a fixed bonus based on EMA completion (50-74%=$3; 75-89%=$5; ≥90%=$10) each week.
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Length of Time
Total length of time in days using EMA (range: 1-14 days). Higher values represent greater length of time EMA was used.
Time frame: Baseline to end of trial (day 14)
Percent Completion
Percent of EMA surveys completed (0-100%). Higher values represent a larger percentage of EMA surveys completed.
Time frame: Baseline to end of trial (day 14)
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Those assigned to the "prize-based" incentive will be rewarded for high survey completion with increasing numbers of "draws" depending on their level of response to EMA prompts each week (50-74%=1 draw, 75-89%=2 draws, ≥90%=3 draws). For each draw, individuals will use the EMA app to "spin the wheel" to see which prize amount they earn. Out of a total of 500 total draws, 50% will be $1, 43.6% will be $3, 6% will be medium prizes ($5), and 0.4% will be a "jumbo" prize ($90).