Eliciting Perceived Norms About Substance Use

May 28, 2026 updated by: Alexander Tsai, Massachusetts General Hospital
Survey experiment to elicit perceived norms about substance use

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Health behaviors and health risk behaviors are known to be associated with the extent to which one perceives these behaviors as normative. The canonical example of this phenomenon is taken from the U.S. literature, which has robustly shown that undergraduate students on college campuses tend to drink more heavily and frequently if they believe their classmates drink heavily and frequently, irrespective of their classmates' actual levels and frequency of use. However, there remains little systematic understanding about the best ways to elicit these perceived norms through survey-based research studies. This randomized survey experiment compares different ways of eliciting perceived norms.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
1531

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Uganda
      • Mbarara, Uganda
        • Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • All adults who consider Nyakabare their primary place of residence and who are capable of providing consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Minors younger than 18 years of age, with the exception of emancipated minors
  • Persons who do not consider Nyakabare Parish their primary place of residence, e.g., persons who happen to be visiting Nyakabare at the time of the survey or who own a home in Nyakabare but spend most of their time outside the parish
  • Persons with psychosis, neurological damage, acute intoxication, or other cognitive impairment (all of which are determined informally in the field by non-clinical research staff in consultation with a supervisor)

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Experimental: V1: Binary Response Options
As this is a survey experiment, the "intervention" involves random assignment to a survey questionnaire with specific wording. Each question in this version of the survey questionnaire has binary (yes/no) response options.
Other: Survey questionnaire
Each version of the questionnaire has the same questions about perceived norms about substance use in the community but differs in how the response options are offered.
Experimental: Experimental: V2: Categorical Response Options
As this is a survey experiment, the "intervention" involves random assignment to a survey questionnaire with specific wording. Each question in this version of the survey questionnaire has categorical response options: all or almost all; more than half, but fewer than 90%; fewer than half, but more than 10%; very few, or no one
Other: Survey questionnaire
Each version of the questionnaire has the same questions about perceived norms about substance use in the community but differs in how the response options are offered.
Experimental: Experimental: V3: Open-Ended Numerical Estimate
As this is a survey experiment, the "intervention" involves random assignment to a survey questionnaire with specific wording. Each question in this version of the survey questionnaire permits the study participant to provide an open-ended numerical estimate.
Other: Survey questionnaire
Each version of the questionnaire has the same questions about perceived norms about substance use in the community but differs in how the response options are offered.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Perception of Tobacco Use Frequency Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish smoked cigarettes four or more times per week in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Tobacco Use Frequency Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish smoked cigarettes four or more times per week in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Use Frequency Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish taken alcohol four or more times per week in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Use Frequency Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish taken alcohol four or more times per week in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol-Related Blackouts Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish been unable to remember what happened the night before at least once as a result of them taking alcohol in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol-Related Blackouts Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish been unable to remember what happened the night before at least once as a result of them taking alcohol in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol-Related Spousal Problems Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish quarreled after taking alcohol with their spouse or main partner if they have one in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol-Related Spousal Problems Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish quarreled after taking alcohol with their spouse or main partner if they have one in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol Intoxication Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish experienced drunkenness or intoxication on 3 or more days in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol Intoxication Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish experienced drunkenness or intoxication on 3 or more days in the past 30 days?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 30 days)
Perception of Alcohol Use Financial Harms Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish had a harmful effect on their household's finances due to them taking alcohol in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Use Financial Harms Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish had a harmful effect on their household's finances due to them taking alcohol in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Spending Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish spent more than 35,000 USh on any kind of alcohol in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Spending Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish spent more than 35,000 USh on any kind of alcohol in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Binge Use Frequency Among Men
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most men in your cell in this parish taken 6 or more drinks in a single morning, afternoon, or night in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
Perception of Alcohol Binge Use Frequency Among Women
Time Frame: Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)
"According to your perception, have most women in your cell in this parish taken 6 or more drinks in a single morning, afternoon, or night in the past 12 months?" (single item, culturally adapted and developed for this study; categorical response options)
Baseline (The experimental manipulation in this study has to do with which version of the survey the study participant receives, so the time frame for assessment is immediate, and participants are asked about the past 12 months)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Massachusetts General Hospital

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Alexander C Tsai, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
February 10, 2021

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 15, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
August 15, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
April 1, 2021

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 2, 2021

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
April 6, 2021

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
June 1, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
May 28, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 2013P000395_3

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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