JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Conventional psychologies therapies are unable to address automatic biases that result in individuals relapsing into their substance use disorder. Advances in experimental psychology has led to a better understanding of attention and approach biases, and methods to modify these biases. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of bias modification amongst clinical cohorts. The advances in Mobile-health technologies has enabled these interventions to be delivered remotely. To date, there remains a lack of studies examining bias modification in a substance-using, non-Western sample. Objective This study was designed to determine the feasibility of an attention bias modification smartphone application for the reduction of attention biases amongst treatment-seeking individuals. The secondary aim is to determine the acceptability of the intervention. Methods A feasibility study was conducted amongst inpatients, who were in their rehabilitation phase, at the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS). Participants were to complete a set of baseline questionnaires, and on each that they are in the study, undertake an attention bias assessment and modification task, whilst completing a visual analogue scale to assess for their craving. Feasibility was determined by the acceptance rate of participation and participants’ adherence to the interventions. Acceptability was assessed by a perception questionnaire. Descriptive Statistical Analyses was performed using SPSS Version 22. A thematic analysis approach was used in the qualitative synthesis of users’ perceptions. Results Of the 40 participants invited to participate in the feasibility study, 10 declined, giving an acceptance rate of 75%. Of the recruited participants, 6 participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence, 17 with opioid dependence, 2 with cannabis dependence and 5 with stimulant dependence. 11 participants out of the 30 participants failed to complete all the planned interventions. 22 out of the 30 participants (73%) completed the perspective questionnaires, of which 100% rated the application to be extremely and very easy, 77% extremely or very interactive, 54% extremely or very motivated and 33% reported there being a change in their confidence levels. Conclusions Our results highlight that it is feasible to recruit participants to undertake attention bias modification interventions and participants generally accept a mobile version of such an intervention. Nevertheless, our acceptability data highlights that there could be improvements in the existing application, and a participatory design approach might be helpful in future conceptualization .