An anxiety management intervention for people with substance use disorders (ITASUD): An intervention mapping approach based on Peplau's theory.

Background: The comorbidity of anxiety and drug use disorders complicates treatment prognosis, and one of the greatest challenges is to address the environmental and behavioral factors involved. The aim of this study was to describe the uses of intervention mapping in the design of a theory and evidence-based complex intervention to develop skills around the management of anxiety for cocaine users in outpatient addiction treatment. Methods: The six steps of the intervention mapping approach, which are needs assessment, creation of matrices of performance objectives, selection of methods and practical strategies, program development, adoption and implementation, and evaluation were applied to develop the Interpersonal Theory of nursing to Anxiety management in people with Substance Use Disorders (ITASUD) intervention. The theory used for the conceptual model was interpersonal relations theory. All theory-based methods and practical applications were developed at the individual level, acting in behavioral, interpersonal, organizational and community environments. Results: The intervention mapping provided a broad overview of the problem and outcome expectations. The ITASUD intervention consists of five consecutive sessions of 110-min targeting individual determinants of anxiety (knowledge, triggers, relief behaviors, self-efficacy and relations), delivered by a trained nurse using Peplau's concepts of interpersonal relations. Intervention Mapping is a multi-step process that incorporates theory, evidence, and stakeholder perspectives to ensure that implementation strategies effectively address key determinants of change. Conclusions: The intervention mapping approach increases the effectiveness of the intervention since the matrices provide a broad view of all factors that affect the problem and facilitate replication through transparency of the determinants, methods, and applications used. ITASUD addresses all factors that play an important role in substance use disorders based on a theoretical basis, which provides the translation of evidence from research into effective practice, policy, and public health improvements.

Interpersonal Theory of Nursing for Anxiety Management in People with Substance Use Disorder (ITASUD): A Feasibility Study.

This study aim to evaluate the feasibility, based on six feasibility study criteria, of using a one-week intervention of interpersonal theory of nursing for anxiety management in people who are taking part in a substance use disorders (ITASUD). The study adopted a feasibility mixed methods approach. The ITASUD was implemented with 39 male users of cocaine/crack as their principal drug with high levels of anxiety. The outcome (anxiety) was assessed by the Beck anxiety inventory. To address the feasibility criteria, data were gathered during appointments. Additionally, qualitative open-ended interviews were conducted in the final appointment. The assessment of the six feasibility criteria indicated the following: (1) demand: there was high demand among eligible participants; (2) acceptability: the ITASUD had better acceptability until the 3rd appointment; (3) implementation: the ITASUD's complexity and design was acceptable for participants; (4) practicality: 61.54% of participants used strategies from the ITASUD to manage their anxiety; (5) adaptation: there was no contamination and cointervention; and (6) safety: the ITASUD was safe. The exploratory analysis showed a relation between the level of anxiety and ITASUD (p < 0.0001). The ITASUD appears to be feasible. The participants reported positive experiences with the implementation of the ITASUD. The findings support the design of a powered larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the ITASUD.