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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test a program designed to help Native youth delay or reduce tobacco and other substance use and improve sexual health. The curriculum, called the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program, will be used. Participants will be split into two groups: one starts the program immediately, and the other begins later. The trial seeks tenth graders attending an off-reservation boarding school.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could benefit their community.

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 prior data suggests that the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program is safe?

Research has shown that programs like the Journey of Transformation, which focus on cultural activities for Indigenous youth, positively reduce substance use. This program helps young people develop leadership skills and make healthy choices, particularly concerning substance use and sexual health.

While specific safety data is unavailable, it's important to note that this is an educational program, not a medical treatment or drug. Such programs generally pose low risk because they emphasize learning and behavior change. The goal is to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and participants typically find the program manageable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program because it offers a culturally tailored approach to addressing substance use among Native youth. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on generic counseling or medication, this program incorporates traditional practices and community leadership development, which can resonate more deeply with participants' cultural identities. By empowering young people to become health leaders, the program aims to create sustainable change and decrease substance use through a supportive community framework.

What evidence suggests that the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program is effective for reducing substance use?

Research shows that the Journey of Transformation-Native Youth Health Leadership Program aims to help Native American youth reduce substance use by teaching leadership skills and promoting healthy choices. This trial will compare two groups: the immediate group, starting the intervention at the beginning of the fall trimester, and the waitlist group, beginning at the start of the winter trimester. Studies of similar programs that connect Indigenous youth with their land have shown positive effects on reducing substance use. These programs help young people make better decisions about drugs and improve overall health. Although direct data on the Journey of Transformation is limited, its approach mirrors other successful Indigenous youth programs. This similarity suggests it could effectively delay or reduce substance use and improve sexual health. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Teresa A Evans-Campbell, MSW, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05731713

Journey of Transformation Curriculum for Native American ...

Curriculum content explains leadership skills and promotes healthy decision-making around substance use and sexual health. What is the study measuring? Primary ...

2.

reporter.nih.gov

reporter.nih.gov/search/B-kVz59kiEOVVX-bMJ8QHw/project-details/11045658

RePORT RePORTER - National Institutes of Health (NIH) |

Discovering Our Story, to develop the Chemawa Journey of Transformation ... substance use and health risk prevention and health leadership program for AIAN youth.

3.

coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu

coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider205/journal_files/vol31/31_1_2024_50_hunter.pdf?sfvrsn=64afd8bb_1

AIANMHR, Vol. 31, Issue No. 1, 2024 - Hunter et al.

Abstract: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth use alcohol and drugs at a higher rate with earlier onset than the overall youth.

4.

umt.edu

umt.edu/american-indian-governance-policy-institute/aigpi-landbased-programs-policy-report.pdf

Land-based Cultural Practices Show Promise for ...

The studies that have been conducted of land-based programs for Indigenous youth are finding positive effects on substance use related-outcomes ...

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ctv.veeva.com

ctv.veeva.com/study/journey-of-transformation-curriculum-for-native-american-youth

Journey of Transformation Curriculum for Native American Youth

Week 1. Complete a 15-20- minute online survey about healthy relationships, drug use, youth leadership skills, and connecting with Native ...

6.

reporter.nih.gov

reporter.nih.gov/project-details/8267330

Ecological Factors and Drug Use of Native Hawaiian Youth

The long term research goal is to analyze the curriculum in conjunction with the American Indian youth drug prevention curriculum being developed through the ...