Abstract P119: Conceptualizing Cultural Safety When Implementing A Community Based Substance Use Intervention Study Among Urban Native American Youth

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted in the United States of America among Urban Native American (NA) youth attending two urban NA youth programs within the State of Florida. Aim: To culturally tailor the evidence-based Lowe (2016) Keetoowah-Cherokee Talking Circle intervention for substance use prevention among Keetoowah-Cherokee youth to that of an Urban Taking Circle (UTC) intervention for use among urban NA youth. Method: The integration of a culturally relevant theory, Native-Reliance, a community-based program approach, and cultural safety principles guided the intervention study method. The study implemented a 2-condition quasi experimental design and utilized convenience and snowball sampling methods for recruiting 100 urban NA youth as study participants. Participants originated from two urban NA community programs and were randomized by program site. Statistical analysis using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) provided the means for determining if there were significant differences between the scores on measures at pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention. Results: Data findings indicated there is a direct relationship between the urban NA youth participants’ interests in engaging in drug use, alcohol consumption, and commercial tobacco smoking. However, additional findings provide evidence that a culturally based intervention was significantly more effective for the reduction of these substance use interests and general well-being than a non-culturally based intervention for urban NA youth. Conclusion: Study findings also indicated that supporting Urban NA youths’ utilization of urban NA values and beliefs promoted healthy behavior. Culturally safe interventions that support urban NA youth as a means in reducing harm associated with high-risk behaviors, such as substance use, is strongly recommended. Impact Statement: During each phase of the study, its method established assurance of cultural safety by operationalizing Native Reliance Theory. Therefore, an in-depth examination of the study methods with cultural safety principles is presented in context and warranted.