Empowering Pregnant Women and People Receiving Buprenorphine
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are investigating whether a therapy program and investigational mobile application can help support pregnant people using buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder.
Fast Facts
Pregnant in the First or Second Trimester
Prescribed Buprenorphine
Compensation Provided
Conducted Virtually in South Carolina
Study Background
Help us test a technology-enhanced intervention designed to support pregnant people who are taking buprenorphine to manage opioid use disorder.
In this research study, we are evaluating whether a behavioral therapy combined with a mobile application can help improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder.
Specifically, the intervention is aiming to improve adherence (following the instructions a doctor gave you) and retention (consistent use of medication) of buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv) for the management of opioid use disorder. This is the goal of the therapy program because nonadherence and discontinuation of this medication in the first year after pregnancy puts people at higher risk for opioid-involved overdose.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating opioid use disorder and improving health outcomes for pregnant people and their children.
Study Background
Help us test a technology-enhanced intervention designed to support pregnant people who are taking buprenorphine to manage opioid use disorder.
In this research study, we are evaluating whether a behavioral therapy combined with a mobile application can help improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder.
Specifically, the intervention is aiming to improve adherence (following the instructions a doctor gave you) and retention (consistent use of medication) of buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv) for the management of opioid use disorder. This is the goal of the therapy program because nonadherence and discontinuation of this medication in the first year after pregnancy puts people at higher risk for opioid-involved overdose.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating opioid use disorder and improving health outcomes for pregnant people and their children.
Additional Information
Opioid use is increasing among Americans, including pregnant people. Opioid use during pregnancy is associated with poorer health outcomes for both the pregnant person and the fetus. The first-line treatment for OUD is medication, such as buprenorphine. However, people often have a hard time actually starting and staying on medication. The goal of the intervention we’re testing is to help people stick to their medication in order to improve their health and reduce the risk of overdose.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-45 years old
- Pregnant and less than 28 weeks along
- History of opioid use in the past 3 years
- Have a prescription for sublingual buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
- Living in South Carolina
- Comfortable reading and writing in English
Participation in the study lasts 6 months and is completely virtual. Once you are confirmed to be eligible and enrolled in the study, participation will include:
- Therapy: Participation involves four 60-minute biweekly (i.e., once every other week) therapy appointments during pregnancy and three 30-minute therapy appointments monthly during the first three months after childbirth.
- The app: At the beginning of the study, you will download an app onto your phone that will be accessible for at least the duration of the study. You will be instructed to use the mobile app between sessions to practice the skills you are learning in the therapy program. You will also log your medication – when and how much you took – for the 6-month period.
- Other procedures: You will be asked to complete questionnaires (20-30 minutes) at enrollment and again at 1-month postpartum and 3-months postpartum. Research staff will contact you approximately once a month to conduct a medication count during a 5-minute video call.
As a participant, you can receive up to $210 for completing the entire study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
