The ConCERN Intervention for Loved Ones of Those With Opioid Use Disorder

CSO change in self-efficacy will be measured using a self-report survey item developed by the research team for the purposes of this study, which will be included in the CSO surveys. "I am confident that I can take actions that will help prevent or reduce some problems associated with my loved one's addiction." Rated on a 5-point scale (1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree); score used as-is, with a higher score indicating greater caregiver self-efficacy in supporting their loved one.

CSO change in knowledge will be measured by self-report survey items developed by the research team for the purposes of this study, which will be included in the CSO surveys. 15 items developed by the study team, assessing caregiver knowledge across three domains: MOUD (3 items), non-MOUD treatment approaches (5 items), and harm reduction practices (7 items), each rated on a 5-point scale (1 = Not at all knowledgeable to 5 = Very knowledgeable). Scoring: the average is calculated within each of the three subgroups, and the three subgroup averages are summed to create a composite score, with a higher score indicating greater knowledge. The range is 15-75 where the higher the score indicates more knowledge.

This is a composite instrument.

There are 21 questions that are assessed regarding use of opioids and other substances. Day-count items (out of 30) are dichotomized as ≥1 day versus 0 days and summed within behavior categories (risk behaviors; protective behaviors) to calculate an average score per person. Withdrawal days and overdose days are each summed separately and then averaged.

1 item developed by the study team, assessing frequency of caregiver encouragement of medication-based treatment, rated on a 4-point scale (Never / Once or twice / Weekly / Daily; e.g., "In the last 30 days, how often have you encouraged your loved one to use medication-based treatments for their opioid addiction, like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone?"). Scoring: single item, used as-is, with a higher score indicating more frequent encouragement.

3 items developed by the study team, assessing caregiver's confidence navigating addiction-related resources, each rated on a 5-point scale (1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree; e.g., "I know where to look for resources about insurance and paying for addiction treatment"). Scoring: average of the three items, with a higher score indicating greater ability to navigate resources

Care giver support will be measured using 3 items adapted from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, assessing people who use drugs perception of their caregiver's general self-efficacy to support them, each rated on a 5-point scale (1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree; e.g., "I get the emotional help and support I need from my support person"). It ranges from 1-5 and is scored by averaging of the three items, with a higher score indicating greater perceived caregiver support.