Qualitative interviews with young adults at risk for psychosis and who use Cannabis: Informing the development of a mobile intervention.

Cannabis use disorder is common among young adults in psychiatric care, particularly those at risk for psychosis. Yet, interventions tailored to address this issue are limited. The goal of this qualitative study was to determine barriers and facilitators for reducing/quitting cannabis use, and to obtain end-user perspectives 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 interview. Results of thematic analysis revealed five barriers (i.e., cannabis to cope, social influences, dependence symptoms, easy access, ambivalence about change) and four facilitators (e.g., experienced/feared consequences, focusing on motivation, social support, coping skills) to cutting down/quitting cannabis. Regarding mobile intervention development, participants recommended high-level personalization and content features such as goal setting, self-monitoring, coping skills, and affirming messages. Additionally, they suggested the intervention 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 intervention.