Native Youth Health Leadership Program for Substance Use

(JOT Trial)

Overseen By Cynthia R Pearson, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Washington

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 18

Duration: 12 weeks

255 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The investigators will conduct a waitlist control trial to test the efficacy of the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program (JOT) in terms of delaying or reducing tobacco and other substance use and improving sexual health.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program for substance use?

Research shows that culturally tailored programs for Native American youth, like the SACRED Connections project, can effectively reduce substance use, such as marijuana, by incorporating cultural values and community involvement. Additionally, programs using the Positive Youth Development framework have reported positive outcomes in mental health and substance use among Indigenous adolescents. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program treatment different from other treatments for substance use?

The Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program is unique because it integrates cultural traditions and leadership training specifically for Native youth, focusing on empowering them through culturally relevant education and mentorship, unlike standard treatments that may not address cultural aspects. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Teresa A Evans-Campbell, MSW, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for tenth graders attending an off-reservation boarding school. It's designed to help Native American youth, and there are no specific exclusion criteria mentioned, meaning it's fairly open for those who meet the age and schooling requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a 10th grader at an off-reservation boarding school.

Exclusion Criteria

Not applicable.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants attend health sessions and engage in cultural activities to promote healthy behaviors and leadership skills

12 weeks

10 sessions (in-person)

Optional Activities

Participants engage in optional after-school activities to build leadership skills, including drum making, film making, and field trips

8 weeks

4 activities (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete online surveys to assess changes in health behaviors and leadership skills

12 months

3 surveys (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program curriculum

Trial Overview The study is testing the 'Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program' curriculum. The goal is to see if this program can delay or reduce tobacco use, other substance abuses, alcohol consumption, and improve sexual health among participants.

Participant Groups

Group I: Waitlist group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Study participants in the waitlist group will be randomly assigned to start the intervention at the beginning of the winter trimester.

Group II: Immediate group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Study participants in the immediate group will be randomly assigned to start the intervention immediately at the beginning of the fall trimester.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,858

Recruited

2,023,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Findings from Research

The study involves 304 American Indian youth aged 10-24 and aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two brief interventions, New Hope and Elders' Resilience, in reducing suicide ideation and promoting resilience, compared to a control group receiving Optimized Case Management.

Preliminary hypotheses suggest that New Hope will significantly reduce suicide ideation, while Elders' Resilience will enhance resilience, with the combination of both interventions expected to yield the greatest improvements, highlighting the importance of culturally relevant approaches in mental health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Employing a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) to evaluate the impact of brief risk and protective factor prevention interventions for American Indian Youth Suicide. O'Keefe, VM., Haroz, EE., Goklish, N., et al.[2022]

The Indigenous Healing and Seeking Safety (IHSS) model significantly increased residential addiction treatment program completion rates, with an odds ratio of 1.95, indicating nearly double the likelihood of completing the program compared to those who did not receive IHSS.

Despite the positive impact on treatment completion, IHSS did not show a significant effect on health service use, including primary care visits and emergency department visits, suggesting that while it helps with program adherence, it may not directly influence overall health service needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community trial evaluating the integration of Indigenous healing practices and a harm reduction approach with principles of seeking safety in an Indigenous residential treatment program in northern Ontario. Morin, KA., Marsh, TN., Eshakakogan, C., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 474 articles identified 8 studies that evaluated interventions for mental health and substance use among Indigenous adolescents, highlighting the effectiveness of programs based on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework.

Most of the analyzed programs reported positive outcomes and were culturally tailored, demonstrating that culturally grounded approaches are essential for addressing the unique needs of Indigenous youth.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of interventions focusing on Indigenous adolescent mental health and substance use. Antonio, MC., Chung-Do, JJ.[2018]

A 5-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) called SACRED Connections showed that a culturally tailored intervention significantly reduced marijuana use among Native American youth, highlighting the importance of incorporating Native cultural values in substance use prevention programs.

The study found that using a community-based participatory research approach and the Native Reliance theoretical framework effectively engaged this underserved population, demonstrating that culturally adapted interventions can lead to better health outcomes for Native American adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SACRED Connections: A University-Tribal Clinical Research Partnership for School-Based Screening and Brief Intervention for Substance Use Problems among Native American Youth. Morris, SL., Hospital, MM., Wagner, EF., et al.[2022]

The Healthy Living in Two Worlds project successfully developed a wellness curriculum aimed at urban Native American youth, focusing on increasing physical activity, reducing tobacco use, and promoting healthy eating habits.

After participating in the summer day camp program, the 16 youth aged 9-13 showed an increase in physical activity, indicating the program's effectiveness in encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Healthy Living in Two Worlds: Testing a Wellness Curriculum for Urban Native Youth. Weaver, HN., Jackson, KF.[2021]

The Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP) successfully trained Native American high school students in health careers, integrating cultural knowledge with academic learning, which is crucial for addressing health disparities in Indigenous populations.

Feedback from students highlighted the value of mentorship and culturally relevant experiences, suggesting that expanding the program's length and maintaining hands-on activities would enhance its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program. Dreifuss, HM., Belin, KL., Wilson, J., et al.[2022]

The Cherokee Talking Circle (CTC) culturally-based intervention significantly improved outcomes related to substance abuse among 92 Native American adolescents compared to a standard education program involving 87 participants.

This study highlights the effectiveness of culturally-based interventions in addressing substance abuse issues, suggesting that incorporating cultural elements can enhance the impact of treatment for Native American youth.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community partnership to affect substance abuse among Native American adolescents. Lowe, J., Liang, H., Riggs, C., et al.[2023]

The Journeys of the Circle Project focuses on culturally appropriate substance prevention and intervention strategies specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities, addressing a critical need in schools and communities.

Previous interventions for reducing substance misuse in these communities have largely been unsuccessful, highlighting the importance of integrating historic cultural traditions into new prevention programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Journeys of the Circle: a culturally congruent life skills intervention for adolescent Indian drinking. Marlatt, GA., Larimer, ME., Mail, PD., et al.[2015]

The Native Children's Research Exchange (NCRE) Scholars program has successfully supported the career development of emerging Native scholars for nearly nine years, addressing the underrepresentation of Native researchers in health research.

The program has effectively equipped Native scholars with mentoring and training tailored to their unique needs, fostering a new generation of researchers who can better address health inequities in their communities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Native Research Leadership Through an Early Career Development Program. Ivanich, JD., Sarche, M., White, EJ., et al.[2022]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Employing a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) to evaluate the impact of brief risk and protective factor prevention interventions for American Indian Youth Suicide. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community trial evaluating the integration of Indigenous healing practices and a harm reduction approach with principles of seeking safety in an Indigenous residential treatment program in northern Ontario. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of interventions focusing on Indigenous adolescent mental health and substance use. [2018]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SACRED Connections: A University-Tribal Clinical Research Partnership for School-Based Screening and Brief Intervention for Substance Use Problems among Native American Youth. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Healthy Living in Two Worlds: Testing a Wellness Curriculum for Urban Native Youth. [2021]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community partnership to affect substance abuse among Native American adolescents. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Journeys of the Circle: a culturally congruent life skills intervention for adolescent Indian drinking. [2015]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Native Research Leadership Through an Early Career Development Program. [2022]