Respecting the circle of life: one year outcomes from a randomized controlled comparison of an HIV risk reduction intervention for American Indian adolescents

Community-Identified Implementation Strategies for Promoting the Adoption of HIV Self-Testing in a Southern California American Indian community: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis

HIV incidence increased by 18% between 2015 and 2019 among American Indians (AIs) despite declining rates in other racial/ethnic groups. Culturally-appropriate implementation of prevention programs is needed to address the intersectional conditions contributing to HIV vulnerabilities experienced by AIs. The objectives of this study were to understand factors influencing HIV testing decisions and identify implementation strategies to promote the acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in a southern California AI community. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were completed with adult community members of a southern California AI reservation. Analysis used a rapid analytic approach that was guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework and expert recommendations for implementing change (ERIC) compilation. Two team members applied a standardized summary template to elucidate implementation determinants and implementation strategies for adopting HIVST. Barriers to HIV testing identified by community members included HIV-related stigma and privacy concerns within their community. Community members expressed positive perceptions of the acceptability of HIVST, with many identifying ease of use and privacy as appealing attributes. Several implementation strategies were suggested for facilitating the adoption of HIVST, including increasing access to tests by mailing kits to community members and increasing demand for kits through media campaigns (e.g., local flyers, social media posts, and booths at tribal events). Community members also recommended discreet packaging of kits and cultural adaptation of accompanying materials (e.g., educational videos featuring community members). The qualitative input from AI community members facilitated identification of implementation strategies that may promote the acceptability and culturally-appropriateness of HIVST.

Assessing the Effectiveness of the Respecting the Circle of Life Project on Condom and Contraception Self-efficacy Among American Indian Youth

Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) is a teen pregnancy prevention program that was evaluated for effectiveness on sexual health risk behaviors through a two-arm randomized control trial (RCT) with American Indian (AI) youth ages 11-19. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of RCL compared to a control group on items of condom and contraception self-efficacy. Linear regression analysis was used to compare differences in each item that included condom and contraception self-efficacy scales among the intervention and control participants at baseline, 3 and 9 months post intervention. Youth enrolled in the intervention reported higher levels of condom and contraception self-efficacy across almost all individual items. Exceptions include items related to partner negotiation of condom self-efficacy at 3 months (p = 0.227) and 9 months (p = 0.074) post intervention. Findings indicate RCL is effective at improving overall condom and contraception self-efficacy but did not impact the specific component of partner negotiation for either condom or contraception self-efficacy. This inquiry provides rationale to further explore components of RCL related to partner negotiation.

Primary Socialization Theory and American Indian Adolescents' Intentions to Use Substances

Intentions to use substances are a robust risk factor for future substance use. Primary Socialization Theory (PST), with its focus on relational factors, is well-suited to provide insight into American Indian adolescents' intentions to use substances given the importance of relationships in American Indian communities. The goal of the present study was to examine the role of PST-related factors (i.e., parental monitoring, peer pressure, attitudes toward school) on likelihood of intending to use substances (i.e., alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, other drugs) among American Indian adolescents.

American Indian participants (N = 8,950, 50.7% females) were recruited as a part of the Our Youth, Our Future survey, an ongoing surveillance of substance use among 7th-12th graders attending school on or near reservations.

Parental monitoring was found to be associated with decreased likelihood of intending to use alcohol (aOR = 0.97, 95%CI [0.96, 0.99]), cigarettes (aOR = 0.96, 95%CI [0.94, 0.98]), cannabis (aOR = 0.95, 95%CI [0.94, 0.96]), and other drugs (aOR = 0.94, 95%CI [0.92, 0.96]). Peer pressure was associated with increased likelihood of intending to use alcohol (aOR = 1.68, 95%CI [1.59, 1.78]), cigarettes (aOR = 1.73, 95%CI [1.60, 1.86]), cannabis (aOR = 1.81, 95%CI [1.71, 1.92]), and other drugs (aOR = 1.40, 95%CI [1.26, 1.56]). More positive attitudes toward school were associated with decreased likelihood of intending to use alcohol (aOR = 0.93, 95%CI [0.91, 0.94]), cigarettes (aOR = 0.92, 95%CI [0.90, 0.94]), cannabis (aOR = 0.90, 95%CI [0.88, 0.91]), and other drugs (aOR = 0.96, 95%CI [0.93, 0.99]).

Results support incorporating social relationships into interventions aiming to prevent substance use initiation, including promoting positive parental monitoring, peer interactions, and school attitudes.

Predictors of STD Screening From the Indigenist Stress-Coping Model Among Native Adults With Binge Substance Use

Objective

The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in the U.S. is thriving in spite of settler colonialist efforts of erasure. AI/AN people, however, continue to experience persistent health disparities including a disproportionate burden of substance use and sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs), as well as a disproportionate lack of public health STD screening services and STD prevention interventions grounded in AI/AN social contexts, experiences, and epistemologies. The present study explored how stressors and protective factors based on the Indigenist Stress Coping framework predict STD screening outcomes among Native adults.

Methods

We analyzed baseline self-report data from 254 Native adults ages 18-55 years with recent binge substance use who were enrolled in an evaluation of "EMPWR," a two-session STD risk reduction program in a rural, reservation-based community in the U.S. Southwest. Logistic regression models with robust variance were used to estimate odds ratios of lifetime STD testing for the theoretical stressors and cultural buffers.

Results

A little over half the sample were males (52.5%, n = 136), with a mean age of 33.6 years (SD = 8.8). The majority (76.7%, n = 195) reported having ever been screened for STD in their life. Discrimination score were significantly associated with lifetime STD testing: The higher discrimination was associated with lower odds of STD testing in the fully adjusted model (aOR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.92). The effects of AI/AN-specific cultural buffer such as participation in traditional practices on STD testing outcomes was in the expected positive direction, even though the association was not statistically significant. Household size was significantly associated with STD screening: The higher the number of people lived together in the house, the higher the odds of STD testing in the fully adjusted model (aOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.38).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that STD prevention programs should take into consideration AI/AN-specific historical traumatic stressors such as lifetime discrimination encounters and how these interact to drive or discourage sexual health services at local clinics. In addition, larger household size may be a protective factor functioning as a form of social support, and the extended family's role should be taken into consideration. Future research should consider improvement in measurements of AI/AN enculturation constructs.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to Enhance Participation of Racial/Ethnic Minorities in Clinical Trials: A 10-Year Systematic Review

There has not been a significant improvement in the rate of clinical trial accrual in more than 20 years. Worse, the challenge of inadequate representation among racial and ethnic minorities also persists, deepening disparities in health. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a participatory communication method that centers on effective dialogue between researchers and community stakeholders with the goal of creating an equitable partnership for health and social change. The objective of the current study was to provide an update since a systematic review in 2012, on the current status of the empirical research, with a particular focus on the elements of CBPR methods used to improve the rate of accrual of members of racial and ethnic minority communities for clinical trials. Our systematic review found a large increase in the number of CBPR related studies and studies related to racial and ethnic representation in research. More than 85% of studies employing CBPR methods saw statistically positive outcomes. Specifically, the elements of CBPR that are associated with these positive outcomes include community partner participation in (1) a study advisory committee, (2) data collection, (3) the development of interventions, and (4) participant recruitment. However, the results of our study indicate that researchers need to be more transparent about the extent of community participation as well as more thoroughly and accurately describe the nature of the partnership with members of minority communities in order to build upon the scientific literature on community-engaged methods.

Early childbearing, family support, and staying in school in a Northern Plains American Indian reservation

American Indian youth experience teen birth and school dropout at higher rates than other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Early childbearing is associated with adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes, including attenuated education. However, kinship childrearing norms among Northern Plains tribes can support positive experiences of early childbearing. Using a community based participatory research framework, this mixed methods exploratory study engaged high school students from a Northern Plains reservation community to examine youth perceptions of family support and belief in ability to stay in school should they have a child. We elicited youth observations of facilitators and inhibitors to academic achievement for young parents. This research supports the need for strengths-based, gender specific, and family inclusive sexuality education to support young people in their reproductive choices in reservation settings. We highlight the utility of including youth as co-authors and co-researchers in future studies.

Improving communication between American Indian youth and caregivers to prevent teenage pregnancy

American Indian (AI) youth are at increased risk for poor reproductive health outcomes. Parental communication and monitoring are established predictors of sexual risk-taking among adolescents. No program evaluations of sexual risk avoidance programs have focused exclusively on AI youth and parents. This study assesses the impact of the Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) Teenage Pregnancy Prevention program on parent-youth communication and parental monitoring through a randomized controlled trial with AI youth ages 11-19 and their trusted adults (parents/caregivers) (N = 518). RCL consists of 8-peer group and one parent-youth session. Trusted adult participants completed the Parental Monitoring Scale and the Parent Adolescent Communication Scale at baseline and 3 and 9 months post-intervention via self-report. Intervention impact was evaluated using linear regression models, which included an indicator for study group. At 3 months post, trusted adults in the intervention reported significantly higher levels of sexual health communication (P = 0.042) and spoke to their child more often about how to get condoms (P = 0.001), get birth control (P = 0.014) and protect themselves from human immunodeficiency virus (P = 0.005) compared with trusted adults in the control condition. Program impact varied by age and sex. This study adds to literature and extends findings on RCL impact.

Marijuana use and intentions among American Indian adolescents: Perceived risks, benefits, and peer use

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines how perceptions of peer use, risks of use, and benefits to oneself and others from marijuana use are associated with past-month marijuana use and intentions to use marijuana socially among American Indian (AI) youth.

METHOD

The American Drug and Alcohol Survey (ADAS), a measure of substance use and related factors, was administered to AI youth living on or near reservations across six geographic regions (n = 3,498, 49.5% female, M age = 14.8).

RESULTS

Greater perceived peer use was significantly associated with more frequent past-month marijuana use (b = .05, p = .038) and intentions to use marijuana socially (b = .74, p < .001). Greater benefits to oneself were associated with greater marijuana use intentions (b = .35, p < .001). Greater perceived risks and benefits to others were significantly associated with less frequent past-month use (b = -.02, p = .002; b = -.01, p = .007, respectively) and intentions to use marijuana socially (b = -.05, p = .001; b = -.03, p = .002, respectively). Multilevel moderation analyses revealed that the effects of perceived peer use and benefits to oneself were related to intentions to use although stronger for those who had used; however, the effects of perceived risks and benefits to others were only significantly related to intentions to use marijuana for those who had used marijuana.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that perceived benefits to others and risks are malleable factors that may be effective components of treatment programs for youth who report lifetime marijuana use, but that perceived peer use and benefits to oneself may be useful in both treatment and prevention efforts for youth who have or have not used marijuana. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Azhe'é Bidziil (Strong Fathers): Study Protocol for the Pilot Evaluation of an American Indian Fatherhood Program to Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Diné (Navajo) Fathers

INTRODUCTION

Considering the critical role that American Indian and Alaska Native (Native) men play in family and child health, there is an urgent need to collaborate with Native communities in developing interventions and policies to improve Native men's health status. This study aims to address a significant gap in research by designing and implementing a culturally grounded health promotion program to increase economic stability, promote positive parenting, and build healthy relationships among Native fathers. The Azhe'é Bidziil ("Strong Fathers") study protocol, developed in response to community advisory board feedback, illustrates a community-engaged approach to developing and implementing a fatherhood program in two Diné (Navajo) communities.

METHODS/ANALYSIS

Azhe'é Bidziil was adapted from three evidence-based interventions developed in collaboration with Native communities. Intervention lessons were iteratively reviewed by a tribal working group to ensure that the content is culturally appropriate and relevant. A pre-post study will assess feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction with the Azhe'é Bidziil intervention, as well as short-term impacts on positive parenting, economic stability, and healthy relationship outcomes. The intervention is composed of 12 weekly group sessions conducted with fathers (n = 750) that focus on developing knowledge and skills for positive father involvement, economic stability, and healthy relationships. Lesson content includes: honoring our roles as fathers, building healthy relationships, understanding the impact of historical trauma, goal-setting, and budgeting basics. Each of the 12 group lessons, consisting of 8-12 participants per group, last approximately 2 h. Eligible fathers or father figures are age ≥18 years, live within 50 miles of the participating Diné communities, and must be caregivers of at least one child ≤ 24 years. The outcomes for this study are acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction with the intervention, as well as father involvement, quality of (co-) parenting communication, healthy relationships, fathers' engagement and communication with their children, protective factors (e.g., cultural connectedness and educational/career aspirations), and economic empowerment and stability. Participants will complete an outcome assessment at pre- and post-intervention (12 weeks later).

DISCUSSION

This study protocol presents one of the few evaluations of a fatherhood intervention to increase economic stability, promote positive parenting, and build healthy relationships among Native fathers in rural tribal communities. Such a study is sorely needed to address the health disparities perpetuated by social and Indigenous determinants of health that Native men experience today. If proven efficacious, this pre- post-study will inform a large scale randomized controlled trial to evaluate intervention impact, and if proven efficacious may be disseminated widely in tribal nations. Study findings may also deepen our understanding of peer mentoring, Native men's health status, involvement with their children, co-parenting relationships, family relationships, cultural connectedness, and economic status. The data collected may also inform strategies to ensure acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction of an intervention designed specifically for Native fathers.

Decision coaching for people making healthcare decisions

BACKGROUND

Decision coaching is non-directive support delivered by a healthcare provider to help patients prepare to actively participate in making a health decision. 'Healthcare providers' are considered to be all people who are engaged in actions whose primary intent is to protect and improve health (e.g. nurses, doctors, pharmacists, social workers, health support workers such as peer health workers). Little is known about the effectiveness of decision coaching.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of decision coaching (I) for people facing healthcare decisions for themselves or a family member (P) compared to (C) usual care or evidence-based intervention only, on outcomes (O) related to preparation for decision making, decisional needs and potential adverse effects.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library (Wiley), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), Nursing and Allied Health Source (ProQuest), and Web of Science from database inception to June 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where the intervention was provided to adults or children preparing to make a treatment or screening healthcare decision for themselves or a family member. Decision coaching was defined as: a) delivered individually by a healthcare provider who is trained or using a protocol; and b) providing non-directive support and preparing an adult or child to participate in a healthcare decision. Comparisons included usual care or an alternate intervention. There were no language restrictions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened citations, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data on characteristics of the intervention(s) and outcomes. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion to reach consensus. We used the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as the measures of treatment effect and, where possible, synthesised results using a random-effects model. If more than one study measured the same outcome using different tools, we used a random-effects model to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI. We presented outcomes in summary of findings tables and applied GRADE methods to rate the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Out of 12,984 citations screened, we included 28 studies of decision coaching interventions alone or in combination with evidence-based information, involving 5509 adult participants (aged 18 to 85 years; 64% female, 52% white, 33% African-American/Black; 68% post-secondary education). The studies evaluated decision coaching used for a range of healthcare decisions (e.g. treatment decisions for cancer, menopause, mental illness, advancing kidney disease; screening decisions for cancer, genetic testing). Four of the 28 studies included three comparator arms.  For decision coaching compared with usual care (n = 4 studies), we are uncertain if decision coaching compared with usual care improves any outcomes (i.e. preparation for decision making, decision self-confidence, knowledge, decision regret, anxiety) as the certainty of the evidence was very low.  For decision coaching compared with evidence-based information only (n = 4 studies), there is low certainty-evidence that participants exposed to decision coaching may have little or no change in knowledge (SMD -0.23, 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.04; 3 studies, 406 participants). There is low certainty-evidence that participants exposed to decision coaching may have little or no change in anxiety, compared with evidence-based information. We are uncertain if decision coaching compared with evidence-based information improves other outcomes (i.e. decision self-confidence, feeling uninformed) as the certainty of the evidence was very low. For decision coaching plus evidence-based information compared with usual care (n = 17 studies), there is low certainty-evidence that participants may have improved knowledge (SMD 9.3, 95% CI: 6.6 to 12.1; 5 studies, 1073 participants). We are uncertain if decision coaching plus evidence-based information compared with usual care improves other outcomes (i.e. preparation for decision making, decision self-confidence, feeling uninformed, unclear values, feeling unsupported, decision regret, anxiety) as the certainty of the evidence was very low. For decision coaching plus evidence-based information compared with evidence-based information only (n = 7 studies), we are uncertain if decision coaching plus evidence-based information compared with evidence-based information only improves any outcomes (i.e. feeling uninformed, unclear values, feeling unsupported, knowledge, anxiety) as the certainty of the evidence was very low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Decision coaching may improve participants' knowledge when used with evidence-based information. Our findings do not indicate any significant adverse effects (e.g. decision regret, anxiety) with the use of decision coaching. It is not possible to establish strong conclusions for other outcomes. It is unclear if decision coaching always needs to be paired with evidence-informed information. Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of decision coaching for a broader range of outcomes.

Impacts of the respecting the circle of life teen pregnancy prevention program on risk and protective factors for early substance use among native American youth

BACKGROUND

Early substance use disproportionately impacts Native American (Native) youth and increases their risk for future abuse and dependence. The literature urges for interventions to move beyond focusing on single risk behaviors (e.g. substance use) and instead have capacity to improve health risk behaviors co-occuring during adolescence, particularly among Native populations for whom few evidence-based interventions (EBI) exist. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Respecting the Circle of Life program (RCL) on risk and protective factors for early substance use. RCL is a culturally tailored EBI shown to improve sexual health outcomes among Native youth.

METHODS

We conducted secondary analyses of data collected through a community-based randomized controlled trial of RCL evaluated among Native youth (ages 11-19) residing on a rural reservation between 2015-2020 (N = 534, 47.4 % male). We used linear regression, controlling for baseline age and sex, to test between study group differences in outcomes at 3-, 9-, and 12-month post-intervention. Models were stratified by sex and age (11-12, 13-14, and 15+ years of age) to examine differences within these subgroups.

RESULTS

Youth receiving RCL reported lower intention to use substances through 12-months follow-up (p = 0.006). Statistically significant improvements were also observed across peer, parent, and sexual partner risk and protective factors to delay substance use initiation, with notable differences among boys and participants ages 13-14.

CONCLUSIONS

RCL is a primary prevention, skills-based program effective in preventing risks for substance use. This evaluation underscores the value in developing programs that influence concurrent adolescent risk behaviors, especially for Native communities who endure multiple health disparities.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy Prevention Among Native American Youths: A Randomized Controlled Trial, 2016-2018

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of the Respecting the Circle of Life program (RCL) among Native American youths 11 to 19 years of age residing in a rural reservation community in the southwestern United States. Methods. Between 2016 and 2018, we conducted a randomized controlled trial of the RCL program with 534 Native youths. Participants completed assessments at baseline and 9 and 12 months after the intervention. We conducted intention-to-treat analyses based on study group randomization. Results. At 9 months, intervention participants had significantly better condom use self-efficacy (P < .001), higher intentions to use condoms (P = .024) and abstain from sex (P = .008), and better contraceptive use self-efficacy (P < .001) than control participants, as well as better condom use (P = .032) and contraceptive use (P = .002) negotiation skills. At 12 months, intervention participants had significantly better sexual and reproductive health knowledge (P = .021), condom use self-efficacy (P < .001), contraceptive use self-efficacy (P < .001), and contraceptive use negotiation skills (P = .004) than control participants. Intervention participants reported significantly more communication with their parents about sexual and reproductive health than control participants at both 9 and 12 months (P = .042 and P = .001, respectively). Conclusions. The RCL program has a significant impact on key factors associated with pregnancy prevention among Native youths and should be used as an adolescent pregnancy prevention strategy. Trial Registration.  Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02904629. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(10): 1874-1884. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306447).

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Impact of Asdzáán Be'eená: An Intergenerational, Strength-Based, and Culturally Grounded Program to Improve the Health of Navajo Families

Native American youth endure a complex interplay of factors that portend greater risk-taking behaviors and contribute to marked health disparities experienced in adolescence. The Asdzáán Be'eená ("Female Pathways" in Navajo) program was developed as a primary prevention program to prevent substance use and teen pregnancy among Navajo girls. The Asdzáán Be'eená program consists of 11 lessons delivered to dyads of girls ages 8 to 11 years and their female caregivers. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on risk and protective factors were assessed through a pre-/post study design. Data were collected from girls and their female caregivers at baseline, immediate, and 3 months postprogram completion. Forty-seven dyads enrolled in the study, and 36 completed the 3-month evaluation. At 3 months postprogram, girls reported significant increases in self-esteem, self-efficacy, parent-child relationship, social support, cultural, and sexual health knowledge. Caregivers reported increased family engagement in Navajo culture and parent-child communication and improved child functioning (fewer internalizing and externalizing behaviors). Findings suggest Asdzáán Be'eená has potential to break the cycle of substance use and teen pregnancy in Native communities by improving protective and reducing risk factors associated with these adverse health outcomes. Additional rigorous efficacy trials are necessary to establish program effectiveness.

Improving the Sexual Health of Young People (under 25) in High-Risk Populations: A Systematic Review of Behavioural and Psychosocial Interventions

Background: Ensuring young people experience good sexual health is a key public health concern, yet some vulnerable groups of young people remain at higher risk of poor sexual health. These individuals require additional support to achieve good sexual health but the best way to provide this remains needs to be better understood. Methods: We searched for randomised controlled trials of behavioural and psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting sexual health in high-risk young populations. Outcomes of interest were indicators of sexual health (e.g., condom use, attitudes to contraception, knowledge of risk). Participants were under 25 years old and in one of the following high-risk groups: alcohol and other drug use; ethnic minority; homeless; justice-involved; LGBTQI+; mental ill-health; or out-of-home care. Results: Twenty-eight papers from 26 trials met our inclusion criteria, with all but one conducted in North America. Condom use was the most frequently reported outcome measure along with knowledge and attitudes towards sexual health but considerable differences in measures used made comparisons across studies difficult. Change in knowledge and attitudes did not consistently result in long-term change in behaviours. Conclusions: There remains a dearth of research undertaken outside of North America across all high-risk groups of young people. Future interventions should address sexual health more broadly than just the absence of negative biological outcomes, with LGBTQI+, homeless and mental ill-health populations targeted for such work. An international consensus on outcome measures would support the research field going forward, making future meta-analyses possible.

Effectiveness of Native STAND: A Five-Year Study of a Culturally Relevant Sexual Health Intervention

Culturally relevant interventions have the potential to improve adolescent health and protective factors associated with sexual risk taking. We evaluated the impact of the Native STAND curriculum with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN or Native) high school students living across the U.S. using a pre-post evaluation design. Native STAND is a comprehensive sexual health curriculum for Native high school students that focuses on sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy prevention, while also covering drug and alcohol use, suicide, and dating violence. The curriculum was implemented in 48 AI/AN communities from 2014 to 2019. A significantly higher percentage of youth reported at post-test having a serious conversation about sex with their friends (post 36% vs. pre 28%, p < 0.001), thinking about lessons learned (post 24% vs. pre 7%, p < 0.0001), and sharing lessons learned during the conversation (post 21% vs. pre 4%, p < 0.001). A lower percentage of AI/AN youth reported being bullied in the last year (post 31% vs. pre 37%, p < 0.001). Family social support was moderated by dose, with subscale scores of 3.75 at post-with <27 sessions vs. 3.96 at post-with all 27 sessions (p = 0.02). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of Native STAND when delivered in a variety of settings. Efforts are now underway to update Native STAND for medical accuracy, improve alignment with typical class periods, and promote its use and an effective EBI for AI/AN youth.

Assessing County-Level Vulnerability for Opioid Overdose and Rapid Spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Infection in South Dakota

BACKGROUND

Key indicators of vulnerability for the syndemic of opioid overdose, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to injection drug use (IDU) in rural reservation and frontier counties are unknown. We examined county-level vulnerability for this syndemic in South Dakota.

METHODS

Informed by prior methodology from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we used acute and chronic HCV infections among persons aged ≤40 years as a proxy measure of IDU. Twenty-nine county-level indicators potentially associated with HCV infection rates were identified. Using these indicators, we examined relationships through bivariate and multivariate analysis and calculated a composite index score to identify the most vulnerable counties (top 20%) to this syndemic.

RESULTS

Of the most vulnerable counties, 69% are reservation counties and 62% are rural. The county-level HCV infection rate is 4 times higher in minority counties than nonminority counties, and almost all significant indicators of opioid-related vulnerability in our analysis are structural and potentially modifiable through public health interventions and policies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our assessment gives context to the magnitude of this syndemic in rural reservation and frontier counties and should inform the strategic allocation of prevention and intervention services.

Predictors of Responsiveness Among American Indian Adolescents to a Community-Based HIV-Risk Reduction Intervention Over 12 Months

This analysis explored predictors of responsiveness to the Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) intervention, a sexual and reproductive health program for American Indian (AI) youth. Data were collected over 12-month follow-up with 267 AI youth aged 13-19. We used mixed effects regression models to examine: (1) whether trajectory patterns of HIV/AIDS knowledge, condom beliefs, condom use self-efficacy, condom use intention and partner negotiation skills differed by baseline levels categorized into low, medium, and high scorers, and (2) the characteristics of youth who made no improvement over the post-intervention period. Results indicate the RCL intervention had greater longitudinal impact among subgroups with low and medium initial scores. High initial scores in knowledge, beliefs, efficacy, intention and skills predicted unresponsiveness to the RCL intervention. Youth differences in age, gender and school truancy (skipping/suspension) did not predict responsiveness to RCL. Results have important prevention science implications: (1) AI youth at greater risk (i.e., those with low initial levels of knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, intention and skills) are likely to respond to RCL and should be the target of replication and dissemination efforts. (2) Responsiveness analyses can guide adaptation of RCL and other sexual and reproductive health programs for AI youth to improve efficacy among unresponsive subgroups (i.e., high initial scorers). (3) RCL is equally likely to impact AI youth across different ages, genders and school status, thus validating population-wide implementation strategies.

Sexual Health, STI and HIV Risk, and Risk Perceptions Among American Indian and Alaska Native Emerging Adults

Emerging adulthood (18-25) is a period of increased risk for adverse sexual health outcomes. While anyone in this age group is at elevated risk, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and emerging adults face unique factors that influence their risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To address this increased risk among AI/AN youth, culturally appropriate interventions are necessary. This study reports the results of a video-based sexual health intervention designed specifically for AI/AN youth and emerging adults (15-24 years old) on risk changing perceptions. This intervention was evaluated using a group-randomized design with three conditions: (1) fact sheet alone, (2) fact sheet and video, and (3) fact sheet, video, and facilitated discussion. Using data from 199 AI/AN emerging adults (18-24 years old) who participated in the Native VOICES evaluation, we used multiple multinomial logistic regressions to determine if changes in risk perceptions were significantly different between study arms from baseline to post-intervention, and from post-intervention to 6-month follow-up. Few differences in STI risk perceptions were found at baseline and observed differences in STI risk perceptions between study arms disappeared after including baseline risk perceptions in the model. Similarly, few differences in HIV risk perceptions between study arms were observed at baseline, and all differences in HIV risk perceptions between study arms disappeared after controlling for baseline risk perceptions, demographics, and baseline sexual risk factors. Overall, this study points to the need for interventions that specifically address the behaviors, social and sexual contexts, and risk perceptions of AI/AN emerging adults, an age group for whom few culturally relevant sexual health interventions exist.

Self-efficacy and response-efficacy: critical components of sexual and reproductive health interventions targeting condom use intention among American Indian adolescents

The Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) intervention is a comprehensive, skills-based sexual/reproductive health program shown to be effective for reducing sexual risk among American Indian (AI) adolescents (13-19 years of age). This paper seeks to identify critical program components of the RCL intervention for replication of impacts on condom use intention (CUI) when scaling to additional communities. RCL was tested among AI adolescents through a cluster randomized controlled trial (N = 267) embedded in an 8-day basketball camp. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-camp, at 6 and 12 months post-camp. Previously established predictors of CUI that were statistically significantly impacted by RCL at the post-camp time point were tested as mediators of RCL impact on CUI. Condom use self-efficacy and response efficacy fully mediated the effect of RCL on CUI. The indirect path through condom use self-efficacy had the greatest effect on CUI, explaining 79% of the direct effect. When stratified by gender, there was only evidence of mediation among girls. Results indicate condom use self-efficacy and response efficacy are critical components of the RCL intervention for AI girls, and sexual/reproductive health programs should include practical skills training to improve these constructs to maximize intervention impact on CUI.

Exploring the Role of Sex and Sexual Experience in Predicting American Indian Adolescent Condom Use Intention Using Protection Motivation Theory

Introduction: American Indian (AI) youth experience poor sexual health outcomes. Research indicates the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is a robust model for understanding how sexual risk and protective behaviors are associated with condom use intention (CUI). Studies indicate the constructs of the PMT which influence CUI vary by sex and sexual experience. This analysis explores associations between PMT constructs and CUI by sex and sexual experience among AI youth who participated in the Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) trial, a sexual and reproductive health intervention. Methods: We analyzed baseline data from the sample of 267 AIs, ages 13-19, who participated in the evaluation. We examined CUI and PMT construct scores by sex and sexual experience utilizing generalized estimated equations and multiple regression models to test which PMT constructs were associated with CUI across sex and sexual experience. Results: Twenty-two percentage of participants were sexually experienced; 56.8% reported CUI at baseline. We found several differences in scores in PMT constructs by sex and sexual experience including self-efficacy, response efficacy, vulnerability, severity, and extrinsic rewards. We also found constructs varied that were associated with CUI varied across sex and sexual experience. No PMT constructs were associated with CUI among sexually experienced youth. Conclusion: Results provide support for developing, selecting and delivering sexual health programs by sex and sexual experience in American Indian communities. Girls programs should focus on internal satisfaction and self-worth while boys should focus on negative impacts of not using condoms. Programs for youth who are not sexually active should focus on negative impacts of not using condoms. Programs for sexually inactive youth should work to change peer norms around condom use and improve knowledge about the efficacy of condom use.

Healthy Native Youth: Improving Access to Effective, Culturally-Relevant Sexual Health Curricula

Tribal health educators across the United States have found it challenging to locate engaging, culturally-relevant sexual health curricula for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth. Healthy Native Youth is a new online resource that provides a "one-stop-shop" for tribal health advocates to access age-appropriate curricula. The site was designed by a team of advisers representing a diverse group of tribal communities, using a collaborative planning process. The website content and navigation was then refined through usability testing with the target audience. The portal allows users to filter and compare curricula on multiple dimensions, including: age, delivery setting, duration, cost, and evidence of effectiveness, to determine best-fit. It includes all materials needed for implementation free-of-charge, including: facilitator training tools, lesson plans, materials to support participant marketing and recruitment, information about each program's cultural relevance, evaluation methods and findings, and references to publications and reports. The website currently includes mCircle of Life, Native It's Your Game, Native STAND, Native VOICES, and Safe in the Village, among others. Since its launch in August 2016, the site has had over 31,000 page views in all 50 States. The Healthy Native Youth portal provides educators in rural communities a promising new tool to support the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based health curricula in geographically-disbursed AI/AN communities. Lessons learned during the design and dissemination of the Healthy Native Youth website may be of value to other Indigenous populations interested in our approach and our findings.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Lifetime Sexual Experience Among Rural, Reservation-Based American Indian Youth

Early sexual initiation is a catalyst for sexually transmitted infection and unintended pregnancy. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth initiate sex prior to age 13 more often than other U.S. youth, contributing to current inequalities in sexual health. Identifying what factors were associated with lifetime sexual experience among AI/AN youth can inform the development of primary prevention programming to delay sexual initiation, alleviate the costs of early sexual activity, and improve sexual health outcomes in this population. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 267 AI youth ages 13-19, recruited from a rural, reservation-based community. We used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate associations between independent variables and lifetime sexual experience (vaginal and/or anal sex) across the following categories: sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes/perceptions, beliefs, intentions, skills, behaviors, and theoretical constructs. The sample was 56.2% female, mean age 15.1 years (SD = 1.7), and 22.5% were sexually experienced. In our final model, condom use self-efficacy (attitude/perception factor) and intentions to remain abstinent until marriage (intention factor) were associated with lower odds of lifetime sexual experience. Age (sociodemographic factor), intention to have sex (intention factor), use of any contraception (behavior factor), and higher response efficacy (theoretical construct) were associated with lifetime sexual experience. Of these, intention to have sex was the strongest indicator. These results both corroborate and contrast with other research conducted among rural, reservation-based AI/AN youth. Our findings show programs targeting intentions may have the greatest impact among reservation-based AI youth, and justify program delivery stratified by age group in this setting.

HIV care and treatment of American Indians/Alaska natives with diagnosed HIV infection - 27 states and the District of Columbia, 2012

The objective of this study was to measure linkage to care, retention in care, and suppressed viral load (VL) among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) aged ≥13 years with diagnosed HIV infection. We used national HIV case surveillance data to measure linkage to care, defined as ≥1 CD4 or VL test ≤1 month after HIV diagnosis during 2013; retention in care, defined as ≥2 CD4 or VL tests ≥3 months apart during 2012; and suppressed VL, defined as <200 copies/mL at the most recent VL test during 2012. In 2013, 74.1% of AIs/ANs were linked to care. At year-end 2012, 46.9% of AIs/ANs were retained in care and 45.1% were virally suppressed. A lower percentage of females (41.3%), compared with males (46.5), were virally suppressed. By age group, the lowest percentage of virally suppressed AIs/ANs (37.5%) were aged 13-34 years. To improve individual health and to prevent HIV among AIs/ANs, outcomes must improve - particularly for female AIs/ANs and for AIs/ANs aged 13-34 years. Screening for HIV infection in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's testing recommendations can lead to improvements along the continuum of HIV care.

The Impact of a Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention for American Indian Adolescents on Predictors of Condom Use Intention

PURPOSE

American Indian (AI) adolescents experience inequalities in sexual health, in particular, early sexual initiation. Condom use intention is an established predictor of condom use and is an important construct for evaluating interventions among adolescents who are not yet sexually active. This analysis evaluated the impact of Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL), a sexual and reproductive health intervention for AI adolescents, on predictors of condom use intention.

METHODS

We utilized a cluster randomized controlled trial design to evaluate RCL among 267 AIs ages 13-19. We examined baseline psychosocial and theoretical variables associated with condom use intention. Generalized estimating equation regression models determined which baseline variables predictive of condom use intention were impacted.

RESULTS

Mean sample age was 15.1 years (standard deviation 1.7) and 56% were female; 22% had initiated sex. A larger proportion of RCL versus control participants had condom use intention post intervention (relative risk [RR] = 1.39, p = .008), especially younger (ages 13-15; RR = 1.42, p = .007) and sexually inexperienced adolescents (RR = 1.44, p = .01); these differences attenuated at additional follow-up. Baseline predictors of condom use intention included being sexually experienced, having condom use self-efficacy, as well as response efficacy and severity (both theoretical constructs). Of these, the RCL intervention significantly impacted condom use self-efficacy and response efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate RCL intervention efficacy impacting variables predictive of condom use intention at baseline, with greater differences among younger, sexually inexperienced adolescents. To sustain intervention impact, future RCL implementation should reinforce education and training in condom use self-efficacy and response efficacy and recruit younger, sexually inexperienced AI adolescents.

Rigorous evaluation of a pregnancy prevention program for American Indian youth and adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

American Indian adolescents have one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy and repeat teen births in the US. Substance use is a significant risk factor for unprotected sex, and American Indian adolescents have the highest substance use-related morbidity and mortality of any US racial group. Despite these disparities, there are no existing, evidence-based programs for pregnancy prevention that have been rigorously evaluated among American Indian teens.

METHODS

The proposed study is a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program developed in partnership with an American Indian community. Participants will be American Indians ages 11-19 and their parent or trusted adult, randomized to receive the control condition or intervention called Respecting the Circle of Life: Mind, Body and Spirit. The intervention includes eight lessons delivered to self-selected peer groups during a summer basketball camp and one lesson delivered to the youth and parent/trusted adult together within 3 months after camp. All lessons are administered by trained community health workers from the participating American Indian community. Youth and parent/trusted adult participants will complete assessments at baseline, 3, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months post-intervention completion. The primary outcome variables are sexual/reproductive health knowledge, sexual initiation, condom use self-efficacy and intent to use a condom at next sex as changed from baseline to post-intervention between intervention and control participants. Selected primary outcomes are applicable to all study participants.

DISCUSSION

Currently there are no sexual and reproductive health programs designed specifically for American Indian youth that have been rigorously evaluated and found to have an evidence base. Respecting the Circle of Life is highly innovative by incorporating lesson delivery into a summer basketball camp and involving parents or other trusted adults in curriculum administration. If found successful, it will be the first evidence-based program for teen pregnancy prevention for American Indian youth and adolescents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02904629 . Retrospectively registered on 23 September 2016.