CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT00095303BSFTUpdated Jul 7, 2015Results posted

Brief Strategic Family Therapy for Adolescent Drug Abusers

A Phase 3 interventional study of Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and Treatment as Usual in Substance Abuse, sponsored by University of Miami. Completed at 8 sites in 2 countries. Open to participants aged 12 Years to 17 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2015-07-07.

Sponsored by University of Miami · Phase 3, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
480
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
12 Years to 17 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to compare Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) for Adolescent Drug Abusers to treatment as usual (TAU).

An additional follow up assessment, funded by an American Recovery \& Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant, was completed 5 years post randomization in order to examine the long term effects of outpatient treatments for illicit drug using adolescents.

Read the detailed description

Adolescent drug abuse continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States-our nation's teenagers continue to use illicit drugs at a worrisome rate. Broad reviews of the treatment outcome literature indicate that family interventions in general, and Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) in particular, are effective with drug using youth. This study is designed to compare BSFT to treatment as usual (TAU). The researchers believe that BSFT will be much more effective than TAU in reducing adolescent drug use. They will also examine which of these treatment approaches does a better job of engaging adolescents and family members in treatment, decreasing problem behaviors, decreasing sexually risky behaviors, increasing pro-social activities (e.g., school, work), and improving the functioning of the family.

With the addition of the extended follow up, we have the opportunity to examine the sustainability of study outcomes into early adulthood, filling a gap in the treatment research literature about the long-term effects of adolescent substance abuse treatment. The follow up study examined the long term effectiveness of BSFT compared to TAU in the rates of substance use, number of arrests and externalizing behaviors, in youth who received study treatments at the time when they were adolescents.

02

Conditions studied

  • Substance Abuse

Keywords

  • BSFT
  • Family Therapy
  • Adolescents
  • Substance Abuse
03

In context

Substance-Related Disorders

2,124 studies on the registry are indexed under Substance-Related Disorders; 393 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 480 is above the median of 108 across 1,727 interventional studies indexed under Substance-Related Disorders.

Browse Substance-Related Disorders studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Miami is the lead sponsor of 820 studies on the registry; 161 are open to participants now.

Of its 111 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 93 (84%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
12 Years to 17 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Eligibility criteria

Main Study:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • adolescents ages 12 to 17
  • used any illicit drugs (other than alcohol and tobacco) in the 30-day period
  • live with or intend to live with a formal or informal family

Exclusion Criteria:

  • suicidal or homicidal ideation.

Follow Up Study:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • youth must have signed consent during the main study to be approached for future research
  • currently 18 years old or older
05

Study design

Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
480 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)

    BSFT is a family therapy approach that consists of 12 to 16 sessions (each 1 to 1.5 hours long) over a 4-month period during the Main Study, and up to 8 "booster" sessions. Interventions are delivered to adolescents and relevant family members in non-restrictive community settings (e.g., clinics, homes, school).

    Behavioral: Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)

  • Active comparator
    Treatment as Usual (TAU)

    TAU varies depending on site, however each will offer services that include at least 1 therapy session (individual or group therapy) per week during the Main Study, as well as participation in ancillary services (e.g., case management, self help groups, etc.) over a four month period.

    Behavioral: Treatment as Usual

Interventions

  • BehavioralBrief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)

    BSFT is a family therapy approach that consists of 12 to 16 sessions (each 1 to 1.5 hours long) over a 4-month period during the Main Study, and up to 8 "booster" sessions. Interventions are delivered to adolescents and relevant family members in non-restrictive community settings (e.g., clinics, homes, school).

    Also known as: BSFT

  • BehavioralTreatment as Usual

    TAU varies depending on site, however each will offer services that include at least 1 therapy session (individual or group therapy) per week during the Main Study, as well as participation in ancillary services (e.g., case management, self help groups, etc.) over a four month period.

    Also known as: TAU

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from 28 days prior to baseline

  2. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 1-28

  3. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days in days 29-56

  4. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 57-84

  5. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 85-112

  6. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 113-140

  7. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 141 - 168

  8. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 169-196

  9. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 197-224

  10. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 225-252

  11. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 253-280

  12. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use from days 281-308

  13. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 309-336

  14. Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days from day 337-364

  15. Follow Up Study, Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. For the Follow Up Study, the TLFB was used to identify drug use in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use over the past 90 days. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use.The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 90 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days 90 days prior assessment

  16. Follow Up Study, Drug Use

    Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. For the Follow Up Study, the TLFB was used to identify drug use in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use over the past 90 days. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use.The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 90 days.

    Time frame: Number of self reported drug use days 90 days prior to assessment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Main Study, Externalizing Behaviors at Baseline

    For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.0. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 4 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.8. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

    Time frame: 4 months post randomization

  3. Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 8 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.5. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

    Time frame: 8 months post randomization

  4. Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 12 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.4. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

    Time frame: 12 months post randomization

  5. Follow Up Study, Externalizing Behavior

    For the follow up study, externalizing behavior for the 90 days prior to the follow up was assessed using the externalizing composite of the Adult Self Report (ASR). The ASR is a 123 item self report scale designed for 18 to 59 year-old to describe their own functioning. Items are on a 3 point likert type scale (0= not true, 1=somewhat true, 2=very true or often true). The externalizing scale is comprised by the aggressive, rule braking and intrusive syndromes. The problem syndromes have been normed by sex and age (18 to 35, or 36 to 59), using a nationally representative sample. Scores were square-root transformed to more closely approximate a normal distribution. Scores ranged from 0 to 7.2. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior. Participants were also asked to self report arrests in the past year . Externalizing was analyzed using regression

    Time frame: 90 days prior to assessment

  6. Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at Baseline

    The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline. Scores ranged from -3.0 to 1.8. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

    Time frame: Baseline

  7. Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 4 Months Post Randomization

    The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline. Scores ranged from -2.9 to 1.8. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

    Time frame: 4 months post randomization

  8. Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 8 Months Post Randomization

    The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline.Scores ranged from -2.8 to 2.0. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

    Time frame: 8 months post randomization

  9. Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 12 Months Post Randomization

    The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline.Scores ranged from -2.6 to 2.0. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

    Time frame: 12 months post randomization

  10. Follow Up Study, Level of Family Functioning

    For the follow up study, family functioning was measured by a composite of the Cohesion and Conflict scales of the Family Environment Scale. Scores ranged from 1.0 to 18.0. The higher the value, the better the level of family functioning outcome.

    Time frame: 90 days prior assessment

  11. Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at Baseline

    For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 8.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

    Time frame: Baseline

  12. Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 4 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 10.4. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

    Time frame: 4 months post randomization

  13. Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 8 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 6.8. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

    Time frame: 8 months post randomization

  14. Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 12 Months Post Randomization

    For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 6.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

    Time frame: 12 months post randomization

  15. Follow Up Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors

    For the Follow Up Study, sexual risk behavior was measured by examining the number of unprotected sexual acts and the number of partners and number of sex acts that included substance use the in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment; a latent factor using structural equation modeling will be used created from the Behavioral Risk Assessment. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 11.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

    Time frame: 90 days prior assessment

07

Results

Posted Jul 7, 2015
Limitations and caveats
Main Study: Low rates self-reported drug use leading to only examination of prevention of relapse/escalation of drug use Follow Up Study: Variability between the time of participation in main and follow up, so no direct casuality could be concluded

Participant flow

Main Study: Adolescents who self-reported illicit drug use in the 30-days before baseline assessment or had to be referred from an institution for the treatment of drug abuse. Extended Follow Up Study: Participants from the Main Study who agreed to be contacted in the future, regardless of Main completion, were recruited to complete the assessment.

Main Study
Participant flow — Main Study
MilestoneBSFTTreatment as Usual
Started245235
Completed154148
Not completed9187
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up9187
Follow Up Study
Participant flow — Follow Up Study
MilestoneBSFTTreatment as Usual
Started199179
Completed140121
Not completed5958
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up5958

Outcome measures

PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from 28 days prior to baseline
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use 28 days prior baseline
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use 28 days prior baselineBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use3 (1 to 11)3 (0 to 9)
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · Mixed Models Analysis · p = .27 · Slope of linear trajectory of drug use: .05 · 95% CI -.04 to .14The parameter estimated is the regression coefficient on the interaction of the BSFT treatment assignment and the linear time trend.
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 1-28
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 1-28
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 1-28BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 6)2 (0 to 8)
SecondaryMain Study, Externalizing Behaviors at Baseline

For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.0. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

Time frame:
Baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Externalizing Behaviors at Baseline
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Externalizing Behaviors at Baseline-.004 ± 1.01.004 ± 1.03
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · Mixed Models Analysis · p = .26 · Slope: -0.10 · 95% CI -0.28 to 0.08The parameter estimated is the regression coefficient on the interaction of BSFT treatment assignment and the linear time trend.
SecondaryMain Study, Externalizing Behavior at 4 Months Post Randomization

For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.8. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

Time frame:
4 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 4 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 4 Months Post Randomization-.36 ± .89-.21 ± 1.07
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days in days 29-56
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use in days 29-56
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use in days 29-56BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 7)1 (0 to 8.5)
SecondaryMain Study, Externalizing Behavior at 8 Months Post Randomization

For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.5. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

Time frame:
8 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 8 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 8 Months Post Randomization-.45 ± .81-.39 ± .99
SecondaryMain Study, Externalizing Behavior at 12 Months Post Randomization

For the Main study, an equally weighted composite of the following standardized scales was used to assess externalizing behaviors: 'Total Delinquency' from the National Youth Survey; 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' and 'Conduct Problems' from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Predictive Scales, 'Externalizing Scale' from the Youth Self-Report. This composite was then transformed to a z-score using the mean and standard deviation of the baseline in the entire sample. Adolescent externalizing behaviors were assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post randomization.This hypothesis analyzed using hierarchical linear models. Scores ranged from -1.6 to 3.4. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior.

Time frame:
12 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 12 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Externalizing Behavior at 12 Months Post Randomization-.45 ± .93-.52 ± .87
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 57-84
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 57-84
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 57-84BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 6.5)1 (0 to 7)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 85-112
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 85-112
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 85-112BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 7)2 (0 to 7)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 113-140
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from days 113-140
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from days 113-140BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 6)1 (0 to 6)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 141 - 168
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 141-168
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 141-168BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 8)1.5 (0 to 8)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 169-196
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 169-196
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 169-196BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 7)1 (0 to 9)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 197-224
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 197-224
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 197-224BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use1 (0 to 10)1 (0 to 8)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 225-252
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 225-252
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 225-252BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 9)2 (0 to 8)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 253-280
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 253-280
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 253-280BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 8)2 (0 to 8)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use from days 281-308
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 281-308
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 281-308BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 10)2 (0 to 10)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 309-336
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 309-336
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 309-336BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 10)3 (0 to 10)
PrimaryMain Study, Adolescent Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. At baseline, TLFB identified drug use in the 28-day period that preceded the baseline assessment. At all other time points the TLFB was used to collect data on daily use from the prior assessment to the current assessment. Thus, the TLFB was used to collect 365 continuous days of data on daily drug use after randomization. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use. The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 28 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days from day 337-364
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use from day 337-364
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use
days of drug use from day 337-364BSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Adolescent Drug Use2 (0 to 9)3.5 (0 to 11)
PrimaryFollow Up Study, Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. For the Follow Up Study, the TLFB was used to identify drug use in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use over the past 90 days. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use.The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 90 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days 90 days prior assessment
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use 90 days prior assessmen
Follow Up Study, Drug Use
days of drug use 90 days prior assessmenBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Follow Up Study, Drug Use19.5 (5 to 81)25 (6 to 82)
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · GEE · p = .21 · Rate ratio: .94 · 95% CI .82 to 1.09
PrimaryFollow Up Study, Drug Use

Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) measured drug use. For the Follow Up Study, the TLFB was used to identify drug use in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment. TLFB interview uses a calendar and other memory prompts to stimulate recall to obtain retrospective reports of daily substance use over the past 90 days. Urine drug screens were conducted using Sure Step 10 urine drug screens and urine cups, which included temperature controlled monitoring and detection of adulterants. Urine drug screens were administered immediately prior to the administration of the TLFB to improve the chances of accurate reporting of days of use.The higher the median number, the more drug use; minimum median of drug use 0 days and maximum median of 90 days.

Time frame:
Number of self reported drug use days 90 days prior to assessment
Reported as:
Median · days of drug use 90 days prior assessmen
Follow Up Study, Drug Use
days of drug use 90 days prior assessmenBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Follow Up Study, Drug Use8 (2 to 28)10 (2 to 28)
SecondaryFollow Up Study, Externalizing Behavior

For the follow up study, externalizing behavior for the 90 days prior to the follow up was assessed using the externalizing composite of the Adult Self Report (ASR). The ASR is a 123 item self report scale designed for 18 to 59 year-old to describe their own functioning. Items are on a 3 point likert type scale (0= not true, 1=somewhat true, 2=very true or often true). The externalizing scale is comprised by the aggressive, rule braking and intrusive syndromes. The problem syndromes have been normed by sex and age (18 to 35, or 36 to 59), using a nationally representative sample. Scores were square-root transformed to more closely approximate a normal distribution. Scores ranged from 0 to 7.2. The higher the score, the more externalizing behavior. Participants were also asked to self report arrests in the past year . Externalizing was analyzed using regression

Time frame:
90 days prior to assessment
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Follow Up Study, Externalizing Behavior
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Follow Up Study, Externalizing Behavior3.1 ± 1.53.5 ± 1.5
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · GEE · p = <.006 · Mean difference (final values): -.42 · 95% CI -.71 to -.12
SecondaryMain Study, Level of Family Functioning at Baseline

The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline. Scores ranged from -3.0 to 1.8. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

Time frame:
Baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at Baseline
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at Baseline-0.03 ± 1.010.04 ± 0.99
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · Mixed Models Analysis · p = .015 · Slope: .12 · 95% CI .03 to .22
SecondaryMain Study, Level of Family Functioning at 4 Months Post Randomization

The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline. Scores ranged from -2.9 to 1.8. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

Time frame:
4 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 4 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 4 Months Post Randomization0.15 ± 1.020.21 ± 0.94
SecondaryMain Study, Level of Family Functioning at 8 Months Post Randomization

The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline.Scores ranged from -2.8 to 2.0. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

Time frame:
8 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 8 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 8 Months Post Randomization0.31 ± 0.960.25 ± 0.97
SecondaryMain Study, Level of Family Functioning at 12 Months Post Randomization

The four components of the 'Parenting Practices Inventory' used to create a composite for use in this analysis. The four component scales from the Parenting Practices Inventory are 'Positive Parenting', 'Discipline Effectiveness,' 'Avoidance of Discipline' and 'Monitoring' scales from the Pittsburgh Youth Survey. the family functioning composite was standardized by the full sample standard deviation at baseline.Scores ranged from -2.6 to 2.0. The higher the score, the better outcome of family functioning.

Time frame:
12 months post randomization
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 12 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Level of Family Functioning at 12 Months Post Randomization0.35 ± 0.960.14 ± 0.99
SecondaryFollow Up Study, Level of Family Functioning

For the follow up study, family functioning was measured by a composite of the Cohesion and Conflict scales of the Family Environment Scale. Scores ranged from 1.0 to 18.0. The higher the value, the better the level of family functioning outcome.

Time frame:
90 days prior assessment
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Follow Up Study, Level of Family Functioning
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Follow Up Study, Level of Family Functioning13.2 ± 4.212.4 ± 4.0
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · GEE · p = .12 · Mean difference (net): .68 · 95% CI -.18 to 1.54
SecondaryMain Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at Baseline

For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 8.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

Time frame:
Baseline
Reported as:
Least squares mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at Baseline
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at Baseline.95 ± .141.00 ± .12
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · GEE · p = .12 · Slope: .33 · 95% CI -.09 to .76The parameter estimated is the regression coefficient on the interaction of BSFT treatment assignment and the linear time trend.
SecondaryMain Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 4 Months Post Randomization

For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 10.4. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

Time frame:
4 months post randomization
Reported as:
Least squares mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 4 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 4 Months Post Randomization.89 ± .121.18 ± .12
SecondaryMain Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 8 Months Post Randomization

For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 6.8. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

Time frame:
8 months post randomization
Reported as:
Least squares mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 8 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 8 Months Post Randomization1.01 ± .121.32 ± .12
SecondaryMain Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 12 Months Post Randomization

For the Main Study, the total score of the 'HIV/Sex Risk Behaviors' measure was used as the outcome. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 6.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

Time frame:
12 months post randomization
Reported as:
Least squares mean · units on a scale
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 12 Months Post Randomization
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Main Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors at 12 Months Post Randomization1.30 ± .141.44 ± .12
SecondaryFollow Up Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors

For the Follow Up Study, sexual risk behavior was measured by examining the number of unprotected sexual acts and the number of partners and number of sex acts that included substance use the in the 90 day period that preceded the assessment; a latent factor using structural equation modeling will be used created from the Behavioral Risk Assessment. Scores ranged from -0.5 to 11.7. The higher the score, the more risky sexual behavior.

Time frame:
90 days prior assessment
Reported as:
Least squares mean · units on a scale
Follow Up Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors
units on a scaleBSFTTAU- Treatment as Usual
Follow Up Study, Risky Sexual Behaviors2.06 ± .062.20 ± .10
Statistical analysis
  • BSFT vs TAU- Treatment as Usual · GEE · p = .23 · Mean difference (net): .14 · 95% CI -.09 to .37

Adverse events

Collected over 12 months. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
BSFT—16/245 (6.5%)144/245 (58.8%)
Treatment as Usual—16/235 (6.8%)133/235 (56.6%)
Most frequent serious events
Most frequent serious events
EventBSFTTreatment as Usual
HospitalizationSocial circumstances8/2458/235
Suicidal BehaviorSocial circumstances8/2455/235
Homicidal BehaviorSocial circumstances3/2454/235
Physical/ Sexual AbuseSocial circumstances2/2452/235
DeathSocial circumstances0/2451/235
Other Unexpected SAESocial circumstances0/2451/235
Most frequent other events
Most frequent other events
EventBSFTTreatment as Usual
ArrestSocial circumstances85/24579/235
School suspensionSocial circumstances72/24571/235
RunawaySocial circumstances34/24545/235
ViolenceSocial circumstances31/24523/235
Other Unexpected Adverse EventSocial circumstances12/2453/235
Kicked out of homeSocial circumstances6/2454/235

Baseline characteristics

Main Study

Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(Participants)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
<=18 years245235480
Between 18 and 65 years000
>=65 years000
Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(participants in follow up study)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
<=18 years000
Between 18 and 65 years140121261
>=65 years000
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
Female5053103
Male195182377
Gender
Gender(participants in follow up study)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
Female262753
Male11494208
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
Hispanic or Latino107106213
Not Hispanic or Latino133125258
Unknown or Not Reported549
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(participants in follow up study)BSFTTAU- Treatment as UsualTotal
Hispanic or Latino6253115
Not Hispanic or Latino7868146
Unknown or Not Reported000
08

Study locations

8 sites
  • La Frontera Center
    Tucson, Arizona 85713, United States
  • Tarzana Treatment Center
    Tarzana, California 91356, United States
  • Arapahoe House
    Thornton, Colorado 80260, United States
  • Gateway Community Services
    Jacksonville, Florida 32224, United States
  • The Villiage
    Miami, Florida 33137, United States
  • Daymark
    Concord, North Carolina 28025, United States
  • The Crossroads Center
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
  • Centro de Salud Mental de la Comunidad de Bayamsn
    Bayamon, 00960, Puerto Rico
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Horigian VE, Robbins MS, Dominguez R, Ucha J, Rosa CL. Principles for defining adverse events in behavioral intervention research: lessons from a family-focused adolescent drug abuse trial. Clin Trials. 2010 Feb;7(1):58-68. doi: 10.1177/1740774509356575. PubMed 20156957 ↗
  • Robbins MS, Alonso E, Horigian VE, Bachrach K, Burlew K, Carrion IS, Hodgkins CC, Miller M, Schindler E, VanDeMark N, Henderson C, Szapocznik J. Transporting clinical research to community settings: designing and conducting a multisite trial of brief strategic family therapy. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2010 Dec;5(2):54-61. PubMed 22002455 ↗
  • Robbins MS, Feaster DJ, Horigian VE, Puccinelli MJ, Henderson C, Szapocznik J. Therapist adherence in brief strategic family therapy for adolescent drug abusers. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2011 Feb;79(1):43-53. doi: 10.1037/a0022146. PubMed 21261433 ↗
  • Robbins MS, Feaster DJ, Horigian VE, Rohrbaugh M, Shoham V, Bachrach K, Miller M, Burlew KA, Hodgkins C, Carrion I, Vandermark N, Schindler E, Werstlein R, Szapocznik J. Brief strategic family therapy versus treatment as usual: results of a multisite randomized trial for substance using adolescents. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2011 Dec;79(6):713-27. doi: 10.1037/a0025477. Epub 2011 Oct 3. PubMed 21967492 ↗
  • Weems CF, Feaster DJ, Horigian VE, Robbins MS. Parent and child agreement on anxiety disorder symptoms using the DISC predictive scales. Assessment. 2011 Jun;18(2):213-6. doi: 10.1177/1073191110389278. Epub 2010 Nov 12. PubMed 21075957 ↗
  • Robbins MS, Szapocznik J, Horigian VE, Feaster DJ, Puccinelli M, Jacobs P, Burlew K, Werstlein R, Bachrach K, Brigham G. Brief strategic family therapy for adolescent drug abusers: a multi-site effectiveness study. Contemp Clin Trials. 2009 May;30(3):269-78. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2009.01.004. Epub 2009 Jan 18. PubMed 19470315 ↗
  • Horigian VE, Feaster DJ, Brincks A, Robbins MS, Perez MA, Szapocznik J. The effects of Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) on parent substance use and the association between parent and adolescent substance use. Addict Behav. 2015 Mar;42:44-50. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2014.10.024. Epub 2014 Nov 4. PubMed 25462653 ↗
  • Horigian VE, Weems CF, Robbins MS, Feaster DJ, Ucha J, Miller M, Werstlein R. Reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in youth receiving substance use treatment. Am J Addict. 2013 Jul-Aug;22(4):329-37. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12031.x. PubMed 23795871 ↗
10

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jul 7, 2015, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT00095303
Lead sponsor
University of Miami
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Oregon Research Institute
Responsible party
Jose Szapocznik (Chair, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami) — Principal investigator
First posted
Nov 3, 2004
Start date
Aug 2004
Primary completion
Jan 2008
Completion
Aug 2011
Results posted
Jul 7, 2015
Last update
Jul 7, 2015

Study contacts

Jose Szapocznik, Ph.D.
principal investigator · University of Miami

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2015. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

Follow this study

Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.

Sign in to follow

Discussion

Questions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.

Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.

Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.

Start the discussion