Peer-Delivered Behavioral Activation Intervention to Improve Adherence to MAT Among Low-Income, Minority Individuals with OUD, Maryland, 2020-2022

This study expands on the Behavioral Intervention to improve adherence to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) among low-income, marginalized individuals in Baltimore, Maryland. Based on Behavioral Activation principles, the "Peer Activate" intervention is specifically designed for implementation by trained peer recovery specialists.
Implementation outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Feasibility, defined as the suitability and practicality of the approach, was quantitatively measured by the percentage of participants agreeing to participate in the intervention. Acceptability, defined as satisfaction with or tolerability of the approach, was measured quantitatively by session attendance. Fidelity was evaluated through independent ratings of a randomly selected 20% of sessions. The primary effectiveness measure was methadone retention at three months post-intervention, with secondary outcomes including methadone adherence, substance use frequency, and related problems.