Integrated Early Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Sexual Assault- K23 - Supplement

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ABSTRACT The overall objective of the proposed Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to support Dr. Christine Hahn in acquiring the skills necessary to become an independent investigator with a program of research focused on the development of interventions for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and comorbid mental health conditions, in particular posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AUD and PTSD frequently co-occur among people who experience traumatic life events, such as sexual assault. However, there is a lack of established evidence-based interventions to reduce AUD and PTSD among recent victims. The current study directly addresses this clinical gap by testing the novel integration of two, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions for AUD and PTSD to be delivered in five sessions beginning in the six weeks following sexual assault. Dr. Hahn adapted the intervention using an iterative process informed by expert feedback (Phase 1) and is conducting an open label trial (n = 10) to finalize the treatment protocol (Phase 2). In Phase 3, the treatment protocol will be tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) among recent sexual assault victims (n = 54) to evaluate feasibility and preliminary efficacy in reducing AUD severity and PTSD symptoms. Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) will be used to assess alcohol use, craving, and affect during the five-week treatment phase. Administrative support is needed to ensure the pilot RCT is successfully implemented during the critical life events of childbirth and subsequent primary caretaking responsibilities. Administrative support will be used to hire a research assistant to complete essential study tasks including participant recruitment, administering study assessments, providing participant renumeration, and monitoring ecological momentary assessment data collection. Acquiring a research assistant will result in more successful recruitment, enrollment, and participant completion of the study. The supplement will ensure the PI continues to focus on receiving dedicated mentorship and achieves the following career goals: (1) Gain new knowledge in AUD mechanisms and interventions; (2) Develop skills in designing and implementing clinical trials for AUD and co-occurring PTSD; (3) Increase statistical skills with multilevel and longitudinal data analyses; (4) Enhance understanding of research ethics; and (5) Continue professional development through manuscript writing, professional presentations, and grant writing. Dr. Hahn is completing K23 activities at the Medical University of South Carolina, which has a strong track record of commitment to the advancement of early-stage AUD investigators. Administrative support to complete the K23 activities will ultimately prepare Dr. Hahn to lead a program of rigorously-designed AUD treatment outcome research.