Development and Testing of a Smartphone Application to Reduce Substance Use and Sexual Risk Among Homeless Young Adults

A pilot trial (N=60) will be conducted to test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of OnTrack (a smartphone application to self-monitor substance use and sexual behaviors among homeless young adults) plus a brief motivational intervention (BMI), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU) at Covenant House New York (CHNY) for those with substance abuse problems and who engage in risky sex. Following referral, screening, and eligibility determination, 60 participants will complete informed consent and be randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 1) TAU or 2) OnTrack + BMI. All participants will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after baseline to evaluate alcohol consumption, marijuana use, HIV sexual risk behaviors, and other relevant variables.