Ondersma, S.J., Svikis, D.S., Thacker, L.R., Beatty, J.R., & Lockhard, N. (2014). Computer-delivered screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) for postpartum drug use: A randomized trial. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.46,52-59. PMCID: PMC3818299.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the impact of a computer-delivered screening and brief intervention program (e-SBI) on postpartum drug use. After childbirth, 143 women were randomly assigned to receive either the e-SBI program or an attention control before leaving the hospital. The e-SBI program consisted of one computer-delivered session using motivational interviewing techniques to change drug use. The computerized attention control asked participants about their music and television preferences. At 3 and 6 months after childbirth, participants’ drug use was assessed. The e-SBI group was more likely to be abstinent in the week prior to the assessment 3 months after childbirth. No differences in abstinence rates were detected at six months, although a greater percentage of participants from the e-SBI group had negative drug tests. Additionally, participants in both groups reported equivalent days of drug use and consequences of drug use at the 3 and 6 month follow-up assessments.