Developing a Mobile Intervention for Cannabis Use among Young Adults at Risk for Psychosis
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Presented at HICSS 2025 by
Cannabis use disorder is common among young adults in psychiatric care. Yet, interventions tailored to address this issue are limited. This study sought to determine barriers and facilitators for reducing/quitting cannabis use to inform a mobile app-based intervention. Twenty young adults (60% female) at high-risk for psychosis who use cannabis completed a brief survey and individual qualitative interviews. Results of thematic analysis revealed five barriers (e.g., cannabis to cope, ambivalence about change) and four facilitators (e.g., experienced/feared consequences, social support) to cutting down/quitting cannabis. Regarding app development, participants recommended high-level personalization and content features such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, coping skills, and affirming messages; and, they suggested the app be visually appealing and interactive. To assist high-risk youth in reducing/quitting cannabis use, it is important to consider the unique barriers they face in doing so, as well as their specific preferences for the development of a mobile app.