Research Project 2

PROJECT SUMMARY Problematic substance use (SU) is an ongoing epidemic across American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, with AI/AN people experiencing persistent SU-related morbidity and mortality. However, AI/AN young men have some of the highest rates of SU morbidity and death. There is a lack of prevention strategies supported by science and specifically designed for AI/AN men during the critical time as they transition from adolescents to adulthood. Moreover, no current prevention programming has been designed to leverage contextual strengths to optimize effectiveness and sustainability. Our team has spent the past two years adapting and piloting the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), an evidence-based, transdiagnostic intervention that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of participants. The proposed study is led by a team of researchers in collaboration with a Community Research Council. Our team will partner with with two rural Navajo communities to adapt CETA and test this adapted version, Strong Men, in a randomized controlled trial through the following Aims: Aim 1: Adapt CETA and associated implementation strategies for young AI men, age 18-26 years, resulting in the Strong Men intervention. Hypothesis: Standard delivery of CETA will require modifications for maximum community impact. Aim 2: Determine the effectiveness of Strong Men for reducing SU among N=160 AI men (ages 18-26) using a randomized controlled trial design. Hypothesis: Strong Men will reduce SU among young adult males enrolled in the intervention arm of the randomized controlled trial. Aim 3: Explore mediators and moderators of Strong Men to inform a precision approach to implementation. Hypothesis: Program effectiveness will be driven by several moderating and mediating factors which will help inform how best to scale, implement, and tailor the program if proven effective.