Computerized Tailored Intervention for Behavioral Sequelae of PTSD in Veterans

Summary

This project assesses the usability and feasibility of a multi-behavioral computerized, tailored intervention (CTI) or expert system delivered via the Internet for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms. Three behavioral health risk factors, (1) smoking, (2) depression, and (3) stress, that are associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are included in the Computerized, Tailored Intervention (CTI) system. The project adapts and modifies an existing CTI system built on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM) to make it relevant to a veteran population. The system has been successfully utilized with general adult populations. The study utilizes methods that are characteristic of a product development project. Each of the four project phases are sequential and build upon the results of the previous phase. Phase 1 focuses on the review of current CTI programs on smoking cessation, stress management, and depression prevention, and integrating them into a multi-behavioral program for application with veterans. Phase 2 includes the development and adaptation of text-based feedback messages and multimedia components for smoking cessation, stress management, and depression prevention for veterans. Initial testing of the modified CTI programs commences in Phase 3. Cognitive and usability testing with veterans are performed, and additional modifications to the behavioral modules are made based on the test results. Phase 4 focuses on a feasibility study to test the multi-behavioral CTI system with veterans online.

Conditions

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Smoking
• Anxiety
• Depression

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Multibehavioral, Computerized Tailored Intervention STR2IVE

All participants were provided with the same multibehavioral CTI system and chose two or three behavior programs to complete (smoking cessation, stress management, and/or depression prevention)monthly. They were asked to complete an assessments at baseline, 30-days, and 90-days. They were allowed to access the system workbook anytime but they must wait a minimum of 25 days between assessments and programs at time points 1 and 2, and 55 days between time points 2 and 3.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command

  collaborator FED

• Pro-Change Behavior Systems

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Hawaii

  collaborator OTHER

• VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

  lead FED

Principal Investigators

• James L Spira, Ph.D. · National Center for PTSD Pacific Islands Division

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2011-07-31

Primary Completion

2012-03-31

Completion

2012-10-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations