WORTH Paths Intervention

Many women involved in the criminal legal system experience substance use disorders and unintended pregnancy but face significant barriers to accessing and utilizing substance use treatment and sexual and reproductive health services. These barriers include limited social support, intimate partner violence, and challenges with self-advocacy and decision-making regarding substance use treatment and contraception. The siloed nature of healthcare services also makes it difficult for women to receive integrated care that addresses both substance use and sexual and reproductive health needs.

While some existing programs for women in the criminal legal system focus on HIV prevention through condom use, fewer interventions take a comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health by addressing all forms of contraception while also integrating substance use treatment strategies.

This study tests WORTH Paths, a digital intervention designed to reduce drug use and increase contraceptive use. WORTH Paths builds on Women on the Road to Health (WORTH), an evidence-based CDC Best Practice HIV prevention intervention originally developed at the Columbia University School of Social Work. While WORTH has been effective in increasing condom use, this new adaptation expands its focus to a broader range of contraceptive methods and strategies to support women in reducing drug use.

Study Design

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• WORTH Paths Intervention Group

Participants in this group will receive the WORTH Paths program, a culturally tailored digital intervention designed to help women involved in the criminal legal system reduce substance use and improve contraceptive use. This intervention includes:

• Three virtual group sessions led by trained facilitators via videoconferencing
• Culturally relevant digital interactive activities, including animations, videos, and exercises to reinforce key skills
• Education on a full range of contraceptive methods, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), barrier methods, and other effective forms of contraception at reducing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
• Guidance on accessing and navigating substance use treatment and reproductive healthcare services, including how to advocate for their needs within the healthcare system
• Cognitive-behavioral and motivational interviewing (MI)-based activities to help participants develop personalized strategies for reducing substance use and improving reproductive health behaviors
• Skill-building for self-regulation and behavioral strategies, including managing drug-related triggers, coping with relationship and environmental stressors, and setting personal health goals
• Safety planning and decision-making strategies, with a focus on reducing interpersonal risks such as intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion
• Participants in the intervention group will also receive resources for substance use treatment and sexual and reproductive health services, including referrals to local and online providers for contraception and substance use treatment.
• Control Group (Wellness Program)

Participants in the control group will receive a general wellness program designed to provide support and education while excluding the behavioral skill-building components of the intervention. This program includes:

• Three virtual group sessions led by trained facilitators via videoconferencing
• Education about challenges in accessing substance use treatment and sexual and reproductive health services among women in the criminal legal system
• Guided mindfulness exercises, including meditation and relaxation techniques
• Stress management strategies, such as breathing exercises and coping mechanisms for managing emotional distress
• General wellness discussions on self-care and maintaining overall well-being
• Referrals and informational resources for substance use treatment and reproductive health services, but no structured training on how to navigate or advocate for care Unlike the intervention group, the control group will not receive training in behavioral change strategies related to substance use or contraceptive use.

Assessments & Data Collection

All participants will complete:

• Baseline assessments and mail-in urine drug tests at enrollment
• Follow-up assessments and mail-in urine drug tests at 3 months
• Participants will report on drug use and contraceptive use through online surveys. Urine samples will biologically verify changes in drug use.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, individuals must:

• Identify as a woman aged 18-44
• Have had criminal legal system involvement within the past year
• Meet DSM-5 criteria for current illicit substance use disorder as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
• Have a past 30-day history of unmet need for contraception (not using contraception despite not wanting to become pregnant)
• Live in the New York metropolitan area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut)

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to give informed consent due to a medical condition or cognitive impairment
• Does not speak, read, or write in English
• Unwilling to follow study procedures Recruitment Methods
• Participants will be recruited through community-based organizations that serve formerly incarcerated women. Recruitment efforts will include:

Flyers and posters at community centers and shelters

• Announcements on community listservs
• Direct referrals from program staff
• Participation is completely voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time. Privacy will be strictly protected.

Data Collection & Safety Measures The study will use self-reported surveys and urine drug tests to measure changes in substance use.

Surveys will be completed securely online

• Data will be stored in a password-protected, encrypted system to ensure confidentiality
• Trained facilitators will monitor sessions and provide referrals if needed. If a participant experiences distress, they will be connected to counseling and substance use treatment resources.

Potential Benefits

While there is no guaranteed benefit, participants may:

• Gain new knowledge about contraception and reproductive health
• Receive support and strategies for reducing drug use and improving contraceptive use
• Obtain referrals for substance use treatment and sexual/reproductive health services (local and online)
• Improve self-efficacy and decision-making skills

Inclusion criteria

• Female sex at birth
• Aged 18-44 years
• Past year criminal legal involvement (e.g., incarceration or community supervision)
• Meets criteria for current substance use disorder (SUD) as defined by DSM-5 and assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
• Meets criteria for unmet need for contraception (capable of pregnancy, sexually active, does not want to become pregnant within the next year, but is currently not using contraception)
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Currently pregnant or actively trying to conceive
• Diagnosed infertility (e.g., menopause, tubal ligation, hysterectomy)
• Unable to provide informed consent due to significant cognitive impairment, mental health condition, or substance intoxication
• Unable or unwilling to meet study requirements (e.g., attend sessions, complete assessments)