Community Strengths Research Articles

Examining peer mentoring with women who experience multiple and complex disadvantage: a feminist ethical model of practice

ABSTRACT Despite the recognized strengths and benefits of peer mentoring as a process, this practice remains an underexplored area for women in communities who experience multiple and complex disadvantage linked to trauma. This article explores the perspectives of those who deliver and receive peer mentoring, with the aim of building a more comprehensive understanding of such practice in developing a model of peer mentoring based on feminist ethics of care. Three women’s organizations located in England participated in this study and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with decision makers (n = 5), peer mentors (n = 11) and mentees (n = 8). This research is framed within feminist qualitative research where reflexive thematic analysis considered the findings from the data collected from 24 interviews (Braun & Clarke, 2022). The findings from this study identify that peer mentoring is a complex form of community level support that provides a welcome approach from the more formal, statutory, community provision many women with multiple and complex disadvantage experience. A feminist ethical model of delivery is devised within this article to be considered within women’s sector community practice. The elements of the model being: community strength, meeting expressed need and having clear feminist ethical foundations of trust and care.

"Atlanta Is Like Wakanda… but With Real Big, Big Issues": A Focus Group Study of Community Strengths and Health Issues in Diverse Groups in Atlanta, Georgia.

This qualitative study explored perceived community strengths and health issues among 3 underserved and under-studied populations in the Atlanta, Georgia-older adults, Black or African American persons, and refugees/immigrants/migrants. Eight focus groups were conducted with 92 participants who were members of the 3 populations in Atlanta between November 2022 and March 2023. Although there were variations among groups, all groups emphasized diversity within their community as the foundation of community strength. Elements of the built environment such as parks, convenience stores, the Atlanta Beltline, and food outlets bolstered community strength. Furthermore, community members being able to voice concerns and the responsiveness of governmental institutions helped form strong relationships to build a strong community. Regarding health issues, common physical health concerns included hypertension and obesity, with varied mental health issues. Accessibility and affordability of healthy foods were significant social concerns, alongside challenges in healthcare access such as navigating complex systems and high medical costs. Tailored interventions recognizing community strengths and addressing specific health issues are crucial for improving outcomes in marginalized communities, necessitating a health-in-all policies approach considering social, cultural, and structural determinants of health.

Educide amid conflict: the struggle of the Palestinian education system

Purpose This paper aims to examine the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on its education system, a phenomenon termed “Educide”. The study documents the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, as well as the targeted killing of students and educators, which impedes current and future access to education. The paper argues that this deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s educational institutions aims to erase Palestinian culture, identity and resilience, thus hindering any prospects for SDG4. The authors emphasize the urgent need for international accountability and support to rebuild Gaza’s education sector, preserving its role in societal development, identity preservation and human rights. Design/methodology/approach This research paper uses a qualitative design, using data gathered through a comprehensive review of both grey and scholarly literature to assess the impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza’s education system. By analyzing official reports, working papers and conference abstracts, the study compiles evidence of the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza. This approach allows for an in-depth understanding of the conflict’s immediate and long-term effects on educational access, infrastructure and cultural preservation. The methodology underscores the critical implications of these findings and calls for urgent international intervention and accountability to protect education in conflict zones. Findings The paper’s findings reveal severe, systematic destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, with extensive loss of life among students and educators. The research shows that this “Educide” disrupts educational access for current and future generations, stifles intellectual growth and threatens the preservation of Palestinian identity and heritage. Evidence indicates that such deliberate targeting aims to destabilize Gaza’s social structure and hinder long-term development. The findings highlight the urgent need for international accountability to halt these acts, safeguard education as a fundamental right and rebuild Gaza’s education system to ensure resilience and continuity amid conflict. Research limitations/implications The research faces several limitations, including reliance on secondary sources, such as gray literature and official reports, which may limit firsthand insights and real-time data accuracy. In addition, the ongoing nature of the conflict restricts access to updated information and complicates direct assessment of damage. The study’s qualitative approach may also limit the ability to quantify the full extent of destruction and long-term impacts on educational outcomes. Finally, the challenging political environment may affect the availability and reliability of certain sources, potentially leading to gaps in comprehensive data on Gaza’s educational infrastructure and human resource losses. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper underscore the urgent need for international intervention to protect Gaza’s education sector. Highlighting the concept of “Educide”, the study calls for policies to prevent the targeting of educational institutions in conflict zones and mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. It advocates for comprehensive support to rebuild Gaza’s educational infrastructure, ensuring students and educators can safely return to learning environments. This research also serves as a foundation for policymakers, NGOs and human rights organizations to implement sustainable educational recovery programs to preserve Palestinian identity, cultural heritage and long-term development amidst ongoing challenges. Social implications The social implications of this paper are profound, as it highlights the erosion of Gaza’s educational foundations and its broader effects on Palestinian society. The systematic destruction of schools and universities disrupts education and impacts community resilience, cultural preservation and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This “Educide” undermines social cohesion by depriving young Palestinians of safe learning environments, vital support networks and prospects for socioeconomic stability. The study emphasizes the need for global support to restore these educational spaces, ensuring that education can continue to foster community strength, identity and hope within Gaza’s society amid conflict. Originality/value This paper is original in its focus on the concept of “Educide” in Gaza, a term describing the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure as a means of cultural and societal erasure. By framing the deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s education sector within a genocidal context, the paper offers a novel perspective on the intersection of conflict, education and cultural preservation. It contributes uniquely to academic and policy discourse by combining documented evidence with a call for international accountability, emphasizing the critical role of education as both a human right and a foundation for resilient societies in conflict zones.

More Crucial than Ever: Civic Wellness at the Art Institute of Chicago

ABSTRACT This paper explores the development of Civic Wellness programs at the Art Institute of Chicago, with an emphasis on how Civic Wellness teaching, partnerships, and strategy are informed by social justice-oriented values. These include equity practice, antiracism, strength in community, and democratic justice-oriented andragogy. The paper lays out the most recent developments and goals of Civic Wellness at the Art Institute, and poses questions and proposals for the future of this work. The paper will also provide practical models for museum educators interested in pursuing or refining their own civic wellness programs.

Intersection between individual, household, environmental and system level factors in defining risk and resilience for children in Kenya's ASAL: A qualitative study.

Children growing up in arid and semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face heightened risks, often resulting in poor developmental outcomes. In Kenya, the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) exhibit the lowest health and developmental indicators among children. Despite these risks, some children grow up successfully and overcome the challenges. However, there is limited comprehensive data on sources of risks and resilience in these children, particularly research that incorporates community perspectives and indigenous knowledge. Systematic documentation of factors influencing child outcomes is crucial for understanding the overall burden, informing policy and implementing targeted interventions. This study aimed at bridging this gap. The study was conducted in 10 ASAL counties in Kenya. Purposive and snowballing techniques were used to recruit 11 key informants per site with varied levels of involvement in early childhood development and primary caregivers. Using a semi-structured interview guide, 103 telephonic interviews were conducted between June and August 2022, involving 68 key informants and 35 caregivers. Thematic approach was used to analyze the data, using NVIVO software. The mean age of the participants was 44years (SD = 11 years). The findings, viewed through the lens of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, reveal a complex interplay of contextual factors impacting children's development. These factors range from individual and biological aspects to family, community, systemic, and environmental level, including climatic challenges. Identified risk factors encompassed issues such as young caregiver's age, low literacy, mental health issues, drug abuse, domestic violence, malnutrition, poverty, lack of paternal involvement, early marriages, female genital mutilation, drought, heat stress, and insecurity. Nonetheless, sources of resilience include breastfeeding, immunization, responsive caregiving, family and community support, higher socio-economic status (SES), cultural practices, self-motivation, hard work, community role models, religious activities and quality service provision. Urgent attention is needed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by children in ASAL regions. The study underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of risks while harnessing community strengths and resources to safeguard and promote the holistic development of these children.

Research Focusing on Protective Factors: From Individual to Community and Societal Strengths

Research Focusing on Protective Factors: From Individual to Community and Societal Strengths

A COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO BUILDING ALLIANCE WITH LGBTQ2S+ OLDER ADULTS

Abstract The intersection of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism with ageism perpetuates health equity challenges for LGBTQ+ older adults. Many LGBTQ+ older adults fear having to “go back into the closet” to access healthcare, housing, and social support in later life and intentionally seek out identity-affirming settings. Yet, the availability of inclusive community spaces and services varies geographically. Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults can inform research, advocacy, and programmatic efforts locally and regionally. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one framework for engaging historically silenced communities to drive research questions generated by and with the community. CBPR involves equitable community-academic partnerships, from development through dissemination. The first phase of successful CBPR involves forming a partnership and assessing community strengths, challenges, and dynamics— before we can even think about implementing a research project. This presentation will highlight how a CBPR model is used to engage key stakeholders to support LGBTQ2S+ older adults in Arizona better. Initially conceived as an advisory committee to inform research to build inclusion within one residential living community, the AZALEA Project (Arizona Alliance for LGBTQ2S+ Equity in Aging) continues to evolve as a broader statewide LGBTQ2S+ aging equity alliance. We will share emerging successes and lessons learned from an inaugural LGBTQ2S+ Aging Equity Forum and how these are informing future research development and design.

Virtual Photovoice and Social Work: Unveiling CRT and LatCrit Insights into Latinx Communities in the Southwest During COVID-19

ABSTRACT The paper explores the intersection of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latinx Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) within Latinx communities, focusing on Photovoice as a method to understand systemic inequalities and power dynamics. Drawing on Freire’s concept of critical consciousness, CRT and LatCrit frameworks delve into institutional racism and intersecting forms of oppression experienced by Latinx communities. The study adapted the use of Photovoice to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to authentically capture community narratives. Through the Your Family, Your Neighborhood (YFYN) intervention, Photovoice sessions engage Latinx families in documenting neighborhood strengths and challenges. Virtual adaptation enabled inclusivity and participation despite geographical barriers. Thematic analysis of participant-generated photos and narratives reveals community strengths in resilience, faith, and recreational spaces in response to challenges such as environmental hazards and inadequate infrastructure. This paper also highlights the role of social work in integrating culturally relevant methodologies to better understand and address Latinx experiences. By leveraging digital technologies, remote Photovoice projects uphold principles of participation and empowerment, contributing to nuanced understandings of Latinx realities within the U.S. socio-cultural landscape and offering valuable insights for social work practice and advocacy.

Analysing programme implementation across districts: a qualitative study of a national falls prevention initiative for older people in New Zealand

BackgroundFalls among older people are a major cause of the global burden of disease. This study investigated the implementation of the Falls and Fracture Prevention Programme, a multicomponent population-based intervention,...

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development: The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Alleviating Poverty

In Iraq, social entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a promising path towards alleviating poverty and fostering holistic societal development. Poverty eradication is crucial for sustainable progress, and social entrepreneurship offers avenues for job creation, accessible goods and services, and overall economic growth. This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship in Iraq by improving economic, social, and environmental efficiencies. The research developed three hypotheses, drawing on theories such as Opportunity-Based Entrepreneurship, Social Network Theory, and the Schumpeterian Innovation Model. Through purposive sampling and 220 structured questionnaires, 217 responses were analysed. The findings indicate that social impact strongly predicts poverty alleviation, followed by economic empowerment and social value, though social innovation showed mixed results. Government policies were found to have insignificant result on the relationship between social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation, attributed to perceived inadequate support for the private sector. Recommendations include regular evaluation of social innovation strategies, brainstorming sessions, empowerment programs, and fostering social impact through community and individual empowerment. By fostering an environment conducive to social entrepreneurship, Iraq can harness local innovations and community strengths to combat poverty effectively, ensuring sustainable development and societal well-being.

Changing patterns in marriage choice and related health risk in the Pakistani heritage community in Bradford UK: a qualitative study.

Background Children born to blood relations (consanguineous parents), primarily cousins, have higher mortality and morbidity than children born to non-consanguineous parents. Consanguinity is low in the UK but high in some communities, including the Pakistani heritage community in Bradford. There has been a marked decrease in consanguinity in the last decade and that is likely to result in reductions in excess mortality and morbidity. Methods Drawing on patterns of child health reported by the Born in Bradford study, augmented with a summary of the literature on motivations for choosing consanguineous unions and on the shifting characteristics of those who make this choice, questions about marriage choice and knowledge of allied health risk were devised. They were explored in four focus groups with self-identified members of the Pakistani heritage community. Groups were divided by age and gender. Discussions were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results There was agreement that rates of consanguinity were declining. Older group members were concerned this might indicate a shift away from tradition and damage community cohesion. Younger participants were positive about the benefits of a shift towards individual choice. They felt this could be achieved without damaging community strengths. Reasons for the fall in numbers were attributed to changes within the community, including higher numbers of people staying in education beyond school. External factors, including new immigration rules, were also considered. There was not a consensus about health risks, some older respondents were sceptical of links between marriage choice and child health and concerned about how health risks were communicated. All were concerned that marriage choice should not be used to demonise this community. Conclusion A commitment to sustaining community cohesion is shared by all groups. Younger people think this can be achieved despite falls in consanguinity. There are continuing challenges in communicating health risk.

Systemic family engagement to preserve and reunify families: Lessons from the U.S. and Chile

Family engagement is key to preserving and reunifying child-welfare involved families. Yet, despite legislation that requires child welfare agencies to make “reasonable efforts” in the United States (U.S.) and to restitute a child’s right to live with their family in Chile, there continue to be deficiencies to meaningfully engaging families. Via historical marginalization and exclusion of some groups, we argue that the state has created and perpetuated conditions that result in racial, socioeconomic, and geospatial disparities among child welfare decision-making points including substantiations, foster care entries, and reunifications. Using the U.S. and Chile as two case examples, we critically analyze the emergence and evolution of child welfare in conjunction with relevant institutional and systemic policies that disadvantage entire groups or communities and then continue to perpetuate emotional neglect once children are in care. Through this analysis, we argue that there is a need to address structural barriers that impede family engagement, preservation, and reunification, and structural factors that lead to the root causes of child maltreatment referrals. As more federal policies shift to preventing child maltreatment, we propose a multilevel, structural approach to identify community strengths and needs that could better support family preservation and reunification, and build community-wide resilience and wellbeing, while also advocating for structural changes to policies and practices that could enhance equity.

How Experiences of Stigma and Discrimination at Various Points in the Queer Life Course Interrelate with Alcohol Use: Views from Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth.

The life courses of sexually and gender diverse individuals are shaped by a series of events that include acceptance of one's own sexual orientation or gender identity, the coming out process and socialization in the LGBTQ+ (for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual orientations and gender identities represented by the plus sign) environment. Generally experienced in a cis-heteronormative context, this process is marked by stigma and discrimination and the social harms they can cause, including a higher-than-average prevalence of alcohol use. To profile the alcohol use of sexually and gender diverse (SGD) youth from a life course perspective and to explore individual perceptions regarding the personal, social and cultural factors (including stigmatization and its consequences) modulating their consumption. This qualitative descriptive study is grounded in symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 90 min were conducted with LGBTQ+ youth aged 18 to 30 using alcohol at least once a week. A thematic analysis was performed. A total of 31 individuals aged 18-29 (average age: 25) were interviewed. The average score regarding alcohol use was 14.25 (Standard Deviation -SD-: 4-31), which corresponds to a moderate risk and indicates the need for a brief intervention. Our study documents how the higher alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth is shaped by individual, community and cultural factors at different points in the queer life course. Among the factors influencing drinking are the emotions experienced when questioning sexual orientation and/or gender identity as well as the feelings resulting from stigma and discrimination. Our findings also indicate the influence of socializing in the queer community and meeting peers and partners, as well as that of LGBTQ+ cultural practices. Our study indicates the need for grassroots-level interventions that work to mitigate social pressures in queer socialization contexts. Accordingly, any intervention, whether preventive or therapeutic, must consider the interplay of personal, social, community and cultural factors. Interventions regarding alcohol use must build on the strengths of community and the sense of belonging.

‘People-in-environments’ taking the classroom to the community: evaluation of a collaborative problem-based community learning model for social work students

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an innovative community-based ‘People-in-Environments’ learning model designed to support social work students in their development of ‘Readiness for Practice’ in an English urban metropolis. This experiential model challenges students to think differently about the meaning of communities, community resources, and their own assumptions, whilst enhancing critical thinking, self-awareness, reflexivity, and the integration of anti-oppressive values. A central element involves engaging students in embodied, problem-based, confluent learning by critically responding to scenarios using real-life circumstances and visiting diverse community locations. Drawing on qualitative questionnaires, focus groups, and anecdotal data from selected student cohorts 2018–2023, six learning themes are presented: Enhanced Knowledge, Deeper Learning; Examining the Familiar Unfamiliar; What Does Community Mean; Person-In-Environment, Self-In-Environment; A Different Kind of Empathy, and Group Work Challenges. Students’ narratives emphasize the significance of embodied, emplaced learning in unfamiliar settings. Reflexively analyzing thoughts, emotions, and materiality enhanced understanding and skill development. This model facilitates nuanced appreciation of what community means, both the intersections of geographical locales with identities and attachments, and the importance of understanding community attributes, strengths, risks, and resources. The paper concludes with suggestions for creative expansion through community mapping in placements and integrative learning in social work curricula.

Identifying the Relationship Between Residential Type and Health Outcomes of the Community-Dwelling Thai Older Adults in the Baseline Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

As people age, their environment plays a critical role in shaping their health. With Thailand's rapidly aging population, it is crucial to understand how different living environments affect the well-being of older adults. This study examines differences in biopsychosocial health indicators between older adults living in village communities and private housing estates in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Community-Integrated Intermediary Care (CIIC) Service Model, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand (TCTR20190412004). The study included 2788 older adults (aged 60+). Of these, 89.49% resided in village communities, and 10.51% in private housing estates. Validated instruments were used to assess health indicators. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Older adults in private housing estates had significantly lower odds of experiencing pain or discomfort (Adj OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.84) and were 1.36 times more likely to report positive perceived health. However, they had lower odds of perceiving themselves as physically and socially active (Adj OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57-0.97) and were 0.30 times less likely to rate their quality of life higher (Adj OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22-0.40) compared to their village community counterparts. The residential environment significantly influences older adults' health and well-being. Tailored health promotion interventions should leverage the unique strengths of both village communities and private housing estates to enhance social connections, physical activity, and quality of life, promoting healthy, active aging across diverse settings.

The New Trend of Grassroots Social Governance: The Connotation Extension and Logical Deconstruction of The "three cooperatives" Model

"Community, social organization and social worker" as the key element of "three community linkage" is the latest practice form and theoretical form of grassroots social governance, in the community needs satisfaction, community interest adjustment, community culture cultivation and community strength The cohesion and other aspects have achieved remarkable results. The "three cooperatives" is composed of community "two committees", social organizations and social workers in the main structure, presenting the "state-society-individual" linkage level, which is essentially to build a benign interactive relationship between government and society. In reality, a network matrix structure of "vertical to bottom, up and down interaction, horizontal to side, criss-cross, internal and external integration" has been formed, which finally realizes the structural embedding and functional coupling of various subjects. With the continuous deepening of theory and practice, the connotation of communities, social organizations and social workers should be expanded and extended, and the "linkage" relationship needs to be considered in multiple dimensions. Summarize and summarize the innovative modes and practices of linkage across the country in a timely manner, clarify the dilemmas and difficulties, and on this basis, deconstruct the thinking logic, operation logic and domain logic of the "three cooperatives" mode, and strive to understand and grasp the essential laws of grassroots governance.

Positive Deviance in Nutritional Practices for Two-Year-Olds in Poor Fisherman Families in the Belawan Health Center Area, 2022

The problem of malnutrition is still the main problem faced in human resource development. The problem of growth and development of Baduta is a serious problem because at this age the process of physical and intellectual growth and development is critical. Malnutrition problems mostly occur in poor families but are not caused by poor families who have well-nourished children. The Belawan Community Health Center working area is one of the community health centers with the highest number of cases of malnutrition in Medan City. To overcome this, a program is needed that is believed to be effective and sustainable. One of the existing programs to overcome the problem of malnutrition and malnutrition is positive deviation. This research aims to identify positive behavior in feeding (type of food, processing of food ingredients, mealtimes and method of feeding) of toddlers who are well-nourished in poor fishing families in the Belawan Community Health Center Working Area in 2022. This research method is qualitative research with a narrative approach. Researchers studied individual lives by asking one or several individuals to tell stories about their lives related to positive behavior in feeding well-nourished animals. This information is then retold by the researcher in a narrative chronology. The findings of this research indicate that addressing nutritional challenges in children can be effectively achieved by leveraging the potential and resources within the community. This is done through the identification of positive deviant behaviors, particularly those related to beneficial feeding practices. These practices encompass aspects such as the types of food provided, the methods of food preparation, the timing of meals, and the approach to food administration. Keep up the great work! The way you’re thinking about integrating community strengths is spot-on for creating sustainable solutions.

Wealth inequality and community vitality in the aftermath of the Australian “Black Summer” bushfires

AbstractThis study investigates the adverse impact of community‐level wealth inequality in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and explores the role of community strength (i.e., community identification, cohesion, and identity continuity) in potentially mitigating these negative effects. Using geo‐targeted survey data from communities affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires in Australia (N = 363), we found that greater perceived wealth inequality was associated with lower confidence that the community would make necessary changes to meet the threat of future bushfires, lower collective efficacy regarding future bushfires, and lower anticipated quality of life. However, we also found evidence some of these adverse effects were attenuated among those who reported higher levels of community identification and community cohesion. This study illustrates that problems posed by wealth inequality extend to the context of disaster recovery and climate change adaptation, and further underscores the socially mediated nature of this threat by demonstrating the potential for community strength to play a buffering role.

Resilience and strengths in the Black autism community in the United States: A scoping review.

Gaps in research knowledge pertaining to resiliency factors and strengths among the Black autism community, inclusive of autistic persons and their support system exist. A scoping review was conducted to further explore quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies that investigate resiliency factors and related strengths in the Black autism community in the United States. A total of 436 articles were identified, with 28 studies included in the final review. Results demonstrated that (1) strengths of Black autistic persons across the life course have been disregarded in research; (2) Black caregiver advocacy, while common, is also a developmental process that can be supported by community-based interventions; (3) informal supports including family and friends play an instrumental role in supporting the well-under investigated being of Black parents of autistic children; and (4) spirituality is often endorsed by Black caregivers of autistic children, such as playing a role in acceptance of the autism diagnosis and with coping with difficult life situations. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Indigenous knowledge and sugar sweetened beverages: Qualitative adaptations towards chronic disease prevention and intervention

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are a concern for Indigenous populations and are associated with multiple chronic diseases. To address this concern, we culturally tailored and tested the feasibility of an evidence-based SSB-reducing curriculum. The modified curriculum was designed for Indigenous men and is thematically based on traditional values, ancestral teachings, and community strengths while promoting healthy lifestyles. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to develop an interview guide using an Indigenous-centered theoretical framework. Two Indigenous content experts conducted both individual and focus group interviews (n = 14) with urban community leaders and athletes. Two Indigenous qualitative scientists analyzed the data with the support of an inter-tribal community advisory board. Results included imagery utilization, the importance of water, marketing, taste, and building routine. These findings guided the development of 6-month Indigenous focused SSB intervention consisting of 12 in-person intervention sessions and 27 short messaging service (SMS) messages.