CompletedNot Applicable

Developing and Testing a Brief Intervention for Problem Gambling in Credit Counseling

United States45 participantsStarted 2019-11-01

Plain-language summary

This study will implement a brief intervention with text messaging and will test its effectiveness in reducing gambling behavior and improving financial well-being among credit counseling clients who seek services. Financial counseling organizations provide a community-based environment for screening and brief intervention for gambling-related problems as gambling problems are fundamentally about financial losses. The study holds the promise of expanding brief interventions for gambling to individuals outside the health care system and in so doing, help those at-risk who do not present for formal treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * over age 18; * can speak and understand English; * called credit counseling program for services; and * scored at risk for problem gambling on the questions asked by the financial advocate Exclusion Criteria: * younger than 18 * cannot speak and understand English * did not call credit counseling program for services; and * did not score at risk for problem gambling on the questions asked by the financial advocate

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Brief Problem Gambling Screen

Timeframe: screener asked at baseline when individuals call in to Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland

The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS)

Timeframe: baseline

Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (GSAS) - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)

The Financial Well-Being Assessment Scale - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)

Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04064749

SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-08-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Gambling Problem trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Brief Problem Gambling Screen

Timeframe: screener asked at baseline when individuals call in to Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland

The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS)

Timeframe: baseline

Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (GSAS) - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)

The Financial Well-Being Assessment Scale - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)

Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale - change is being assessed over time

Timeframe: baseline, Time 2 (30 days post randomization), Time 3 (90 days post randomization)