This project aims to address the need for robust, rigorous and computationally efficient methods for optimizing Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) to prevent and treat substance use disorders (SUD). Although the proposed methods are motivated by micro randomized trials (MRTs) in SUD, they can be extended to observational studies and employed to develop effective JITAIs in… Continue reading Novel Methods to Inform mHealth Interventions for Substance Use

Smoking cessation decreases morbidity and mortality and is a cornerstone of cancer prevention. The ability to impact current and future vulnerability (e.g., high risk for a lapse) in real-time via engagement in self-regulatory activities (e.g., relaxation techniques, behavioral substitution, mindful attention) is considered an important pathway to quitting success. However, poor engagement represents a major… Continue reading Novel use of mHealth data to identify states of vulnerability and receptivity to JITAIs

The treatment of drug use and HIV often requires sequential, individualized decision-making concerning the type or delivery of treatment. An adaptive intervention is a treatment design that uses ongoing information from the patient to guide whether, and how to modify the treatment over time. By providing the appropriate treatment to those who need it, when… Continue reading Novel Longitudinal Methods for SMART Studies of Drug Abuse and HIV