Trial Outcomes & Findings for Preventing Prescription Stimulant Diversion and Medication Misuse Via a Web-Based Simulation Intervention (NCT NCT04885166)

NCT ID: NCT04885166

Last Updated: 2026-04-08

Results Overview

participants will note how many times they have engaged in diversion (i.e., giving away, selling, or trading one's prescribed medication)

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

249 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Results posted on

2026-04-08

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Web-based Simulation Intervention
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Placebo Condition
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Overall Study
STARTED
122
113
Overall Study
COMPLETED
110
90
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
12
23

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Although we consented 249 participants, only 235 completed the baseline survey and thus provided data on their age at the time of study entry.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Total
n=235 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
20.29 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.79 • n=527 Participants • Although we consented 249 participants, only 235 completed the baseline survey and thus provided data on their age at the time of study entry.
20.56 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.81 • n=527 Participants • Although we consented 249 participants, only 235 completed the baseline survey and thus provided data on their age at the time of study entry.
20.42 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.80 • n=1054 Participants • Although we consented 249 participants, only 235 completed the baseline survey and thus provided data on their age at the time of study entry.
Sex: Female, Male
Female
98 Participants
n=527 Participants
76 Participants
n=527 Participants
174 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
24 Participants
n=527 Participants
37 Participants
n=527 Participants
61 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
26 Participants
n=527 Participants
19 Participants
n=527 Participants
45 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
96 Participants
n=527 Participants
94 Participants
n=527 Participants
190 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
0 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
2 Participants
n=527 Participants
2 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
5 Participants
n=527 Participants
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
5 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
0 Participants
n=527 Participants
0 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants
n=527 Participants
2 Participants
n=527 Participants
3 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
104 Participants
n=527 Participants
98 Participants
n=527 Participants
202 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
10 Participants
n=527 Participants
8 Participants
n=527 Participants
18 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants
n=527 Participants
3 Participants
n=527 Participants
5 Participants
n=1054 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
122 participants
n=527 Participants
113 participants
n=527 Participants
235 participants
n=1054 Participants
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity
46.75 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.05 • n=527 Participants
46.10 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.40 • n=527 Participants
46.43 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.71 • n=1054 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: There was one fewer participant in the placebo group who responded to the 6-month follow-up survey compared to the 3-month survey.

participants will note how many times they have engaged in diversion (i.e., giving away, selling, or trading one's prescribed medication)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=91 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Frequency of Prescription Stimulant Diversion
3-month follow-up
.41 Mean number of times diverted
Standard Deviation .17
.25 Mean number of times diverted
Standard Deviation .09
Frequency of Prescription Stimulant Diversion
6-month follow-up
.30 Mean number of times diverted
Standard Deviation .08
.18 Mean number of times diverted
Standard Deviation .08

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Because of participants lost to follow-up at each time point, the total number post-intervention; 3-months, and 6-months is slightly lower.

Intentions to divert stimulant medication were assessed with two questions from the Behavior, Expectancies, Attitudes and College Health Questionnaire (Bavarian et al., 2013) adapted to address diversion: "How likely is it that you will give away, \[or sell, trade\] your stimulant medication in the next three months?". These questions had a four-point response scale (1=very unlikely, 4=very likely). Responses were summed and ranged from 2-8, with 8 indicating the greatest intention to divert (worse outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Intention to Divert Prescription Stimulant Medication
3-month follow-up
2.57 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.27
2.33 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .91
Intention to Divert Prescription Stimulant Medication
6-month follow-up
2.53 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .97
2.29 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .82

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Includes participants who completed the 3- or 6-month follow-up assessment.

participants will indicate any instances of (a) using alternative routes of administration, (b) taking more than your recommended dose, (c) taking someone else's stimulant medication, (d) taking your stimulant with other drugs in order to experience intoxicating effects, or (e) intentionally getting high on your prescribed stimulant medication?

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=91 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Frequency of Prescription Stimulant Medication Misuse
3-months
1.80 Number of times misused medication
Standard Deviation 4.60
2.02 Number of times misused medication
Standard Deviation 12.30
Frequency of Prescription Stimulant Medication Misuse
6-months
2.03 Number of times misused medication
Standard Deviation 7.26
1.49 Number of times misused medication
Standard Deviation 11.11

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (immediately after simulation or placebo presentation)

We will assess the usefulness, information quality, and interface quality of the simulation using the 13-item Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire. A mean score of 1 indicates lowest level of satisfaction, while a mean score of 7 would indicate the highest level of satisfaction.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
User Satisfaction With the Simulation/Placebo
6.31 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .63
6.47 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .6

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (immediately after simulation or placebo presentation)

Participants will respond to 15 items related to the perceived usefulness, user control, and impact of the simulation/placebo. A mean score of 1 would indicate the lowest level of perceived usability; a mean score of 5 would indicate the highest rating of usability.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Usability of the Simulation/Placebo
4.21 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .52
4.05 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .70

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 1 month

Population: Number of participants analyzed may differ from overall number due to participants lost at one-month follow-up.

Booster session #1 is delivered via a slide deck and reviews the key points from the slideshow they viewed at the beginning of the study. Then, participants have to answer 5 questions related to the content. We assess engagement in the online booster session #1 on a 0-5 scale by summing the number of correct answers to the five comprehension questions embedded in the online booster. Each correct item receives one point. Scores ranged from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating the most engagement and accurate understanding of the content.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=103 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=115 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
1 Month Booster Engagement
3.78 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.21
4.69 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .58

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 months

Population: Participant numbers are lower than baseline due to participants lost at follow-up.

Booster session #2 is delivered via a slide deck and reviews the key points from the slideshow they viewed at the beginning of the study. Then, participants have to answer 5 questions related to the content. We assess engagement in the online booster session #2 on a 0-5 scale by summing the number of correct answers to the five comprehension questions embedded in the online booster. Each correct item receives one point. Scores ranged from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating the most engagement and accurate understanding of the content.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=93 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
2 Month Booster Engagement
4.00 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .85
4.76 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .49

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Participant totals may be lower at follow-up due to study attrition.

Participants will rate their confidence to (1) resist giving away their medication, (2) resist selling their medication. These responses, each given on a 5-point scale, were summed and scores ranged from 2 to 10, with 10 indicating the highest level of self-efficacy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Self-efficacy to Resist Prescription Stimulant Diversion
3-month follow-up
9.49 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .99
9.65 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .84
Self-efficacy to Resist Prescription Stimulant Diversion
6-month follow-up
9.46 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .84
9.69 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .78

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 3- and 6-months

Population: Since not all participants had to turn down requests for their medication, the number of participants below will be smaller than the total.

At the 3- and 6-month follow up, participants were asked to describe, through an open-ended response, how they responded if they were approached to give away, sell, or trade their medication since the last assessment. The data provided below is the count of participants who provided an open-ended response.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Resistance Strategy Use
6-month follow-up
21 Participants
22 Participants
Resistance Strategy Use
3-month follow-up
26 Participants
26 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months

Population: Number of participants analyzed reflects the available records at each time point (baseline, 3 months) and may be less than the overall number of participants analyzed.

Participants will indicate, on a scale from 0-100, the percentage of students they believe give away, sell, or trade their prescribed stimulant medication.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Perceived Behavioral Norms for Prescription Stimulant Diversion
Baseline
32.7 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 20.8
33.5 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 20.0
Perceived Behavioral Norms for Prescription Stimulant Diversion
3 months
27.6 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 13.1
27.2 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 15.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months

Population: Number of participants analyzed reflects the available records at each time point (baseline, 3 months) and may be less than the overall number of participants analyzed.

Participants will indicate, on a scale from 0-100, the percentage of students they believe use stimulant medication in a way it was not prescribed.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Perceived Behavioral Norms for Prescription Stimulant Misuse
Baseline
39.7 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 22.2
41.1 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 23.6
Perceived Behavioral Norms for Prescription Stimulant Misuse
3 months
29.9 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 16.5
33.8 observed percentage of students
Standard Deviation 18.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months

Population: Number of participants analyzed reflects the available records at each time point (baseline, 3 months) and may be less than the overall number of participants analyzed.

We will assess perceived legal risks associated with prescription stimulant diversion. We will assess perceived harm from non-medical prescription stimulant use and medical misuse by asking: "How much do people risk harming themselves (physically or in other ways) if they "take stimulants non-medically?" or "use their prescription in a way a prescriber did not intend? Scores ranged from 5 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater perceived risk (better outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Perceived Risks From Prescription Stimulant Diversion and Misuse
Baseline
17.1 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.3
16.6 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.8
Perceived Risks From Prescription Stimulant Diversion and Misuse
3 months
18.0 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.6
17.1 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Participant totals are lower at 3- and 6-month follow-ups due to attrition and some technical difficulties with data collection.

Number of times participants communicated with their prescriber regarding their adherence to their prescription and any concerns they have regarding the dose, frequency of administration, and/or side effects in past 90 days. Responses ranged from 0 to 8, with higher scores denoting more communication with a prescriber (better outcome). (Investigator-generated scale)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Communication With Prescriber
3-month follow-up
.88 number of contacts with prescriber
Standard Deviation 1.23
.64 number of contacts with prescriber
Standard Deviation .96
Communication With Prescriber
6-month follow-up
.77 number of contacts with prescriber
Standard Deviation 1.17
.58 number of contacts with prescriber
Standard Deviation 1.02

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: 6-months

Population: Participant total at 6-months is lower due to attrition.

Participants will note whether they experienced any accidental injuries in the prior 6 months (e.g., car accidents, burns, etc.).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Accidental Injuries
1.24 mean number of accidental injuries
Standard Deviation 1.38
1.19 mean number of accidental injuries
Standard Deviation 1.39

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Participant totals at 3- and 6-months are lower due to attrition.

Participants will report any occasions of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or hallucinogen use, or other prescription drug misuse in the previous 90 days.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Other Substance Use
3-months
9.51 mean number of total substance use days
Standard Deviation 21.17
7.21 mean number of total substance use days
Standard Deviation 20.15
Other Substance Use
6-months
13.61 mean number of total substance use days
Standard Deviation 25.56
6.92 mean number of total substance use days
Standard Deviation 19.68

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Participant total at 6-month follow-up is lower due to attrition.

Using the Impairment Rating Scale, participants reported on the extent to which they experienced problems in social, academic, familial, and vocational circumstances. Responses options ranged from 1=not at all to 7=extreme problem and were averaged to yield an overall impairment score (Range 1-6.25). A lower score indicates less impairment (better outcome), whereas a higher score indicates more impairment (poorer outcome).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-related Impairment
3-month follow-up
2.68 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.24
2.25 score on a scale
Standard Deviation .96
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-related Impairment
6-month follow-up
2.65 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.17
2.51 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.10

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: baseline

Participants reported on the frequency with which they engaged in 11 problem behaviors before age 18 (0=never, 1=once, 2=twice, 3=three times, 4=more than three times). This scale was adapted from Johnson (1995). Consistent with Garnier (2008), we counted less severe items (e.g., lied, broke rules) as a "1" when rated at least a four. More severe items (e.g., hurt another physically, used a weapon, set a fire) had to occur \>2 times to be counted towards the total score. The minimum score was a 0, the maximum an 11.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=113 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Conduct Problems
2.41 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.35
2.51 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.67

POST_HOC outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Subsample of participants who completed the 3- and/or 6-month follow-up assessment.

Used prescription stimulant medication through alternative routes of administration, took more than their recommended dose of a prescription stimulant, took someone else's stimulant medication, took their stimulant with other drugs in order to experience intoxicating effects, or intentionally got high on their prescribed stimulant medication at least once in the past 3 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=91 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Number of Participants Who Misused Prescribed Stimulant Medication One or More Times in the Past 3-months
3-months
28 participants
23 participants
Number of Participants Who Misused Prescribed Stimulant Medication One or More Times in the Past 3-months
6-months
26 participants
13 participants

POST_HOC outcome

Timeframe: baseline, 3-months, 6-months

Population: Participants who completed the 3- or 6-month follow-up assessments.

Gave away, sold, or traded one's stimulant medication at least once in the past 3 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=91 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Number of Participants Who Diverted Prescribed Stimulant Medication One or More Times in the Past 3-months
3-months
10 Participants
7 Participants
Number of Participants Who Diverted Prescribed Stimulant Medication One or More Times in the Past 3-months
6-months
9 Participants
5 Participants

POST_HOC outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Population: Participants who completed the 3- and/or 6-month follow-up assessments.

Gave away, sold, or traded one's stimulant medication at least once in the 6-month study period.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=90 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Proportion of Participants Who Had Any Prescription Stimulant Diversion During the 6-month Study Period
.18 proportion of participants
.05 proportion of participants

POST_HOC outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Used prescription stimulant medication through alternative routes of administration, took more than their recommended dose of a prescription stimulant, took someone else's stimulant medication, took their stimulant with other drugs in order to experience intoxicating effects, or intentionally got high on their prescribed stimulant medication at least once during the 6-month study period

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Placebo Condition
n=90 Participants
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=110 Participants
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Proportion of Participants Who Had Any Prescription Stimulant Medical Misuse During the 6-month Study Period
.44 proportion of participants
.24 proportion of participants

Adverse Events

Web-based Simulation Intervention

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo Condition

Serious events: 2 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Web-based Simulation Intervention
n=122 participants at risk
Participants in this condition will receive psychoeducation about stimulant medication diversion, stimulant medication misuse, and will practice navigating and resisting requests for their medication with a virtual human. Web-based simulation active intervention: This intervention engages students in interactive discussions with virtual humans to (a) learn about the actual prevalence of NMUPS and diversion and their related risks, (b) practice using refusal strategies when approached for their medication in high-risk situations, and (c) understand how to effectively communicate with prescribers and avoid medication misuse.
Placebo Condition
n=113 participants at risk
Participants in this condition will learn about psychological conditions that affect college students most often (e.g., depression), causes of those conditions, and pharmacological/behavioral treatments for those conditions. Web-based placebo presentation: This presentation will discuss the prevalence of psychological disorders in college students, their etiologies, psychiatric medications, and students' personal experiences navigating college with a diagnosis of an anxiety and learning disorder, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stimulant medications will be addressed, but diversion and medication misuse will not be discussed.
Social circumstances
Adverse Event #1
0.00%
0/122 • 6 months
0.88%
1/113 • Number of events 1 • 6 months
Social circumstances
Adverse Event #2
0.00%
0/122 • 6 months
0.88%
1/113 • Number of events 1 • 6 months

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Laura Holt

Trinity College

Phone: 860-297-4019

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place