A Cultural-Based approach to address substance use among urban Native American young adults

Authors: Melessa Kelley et al.

Publication Year: 2023

Last Updated: April 07, 2023

Journal: Journal of Community Psychology

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Substance Use; Cultural-Based Interventions; Young Adults; Talking Circles

 

Short Abstract: Native American young adults residing in urban communities are particularly vulnerable to substance use. After leaving high school, the pressures and stress of continuing education, finding employment, and the responsibilities related to family and tribal community obligations predispose these young adults to substance use.

 

Abstract: Native American young adults residing in urban communities are particularly vulnerable to substance use. After leaving high school, the pressures and stress of continuing education, finding employment, and the responsibilities related to family and tribal community obligations predispose these young adults to substance use. This study used a pre/post test design to evaluate a cultural-based Talking Circle intervention for the prevention of substance use among urban Native American young adults, ages 18–24. Three measures were used that included the Native-Reliance Questionnaire, the Indigenous-Global Assessment of Individual Needs (I-GAIN) Substance Use Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) measure for severity of depression. Findings revealed that participants demonstrated a higher sense of Native-Reliance, decrease in substance use, and a decrease in the PHQ-9 depressions scores from baseline to 6-month postintervention. These findings validate the importance of cultural-based interventions for the prevention of substance use among urban Native American young adults.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcop.23044

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

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