The Hastiin Bidziil (Strong Man) Intervention is a research study to measure the effectiveness of a secondary prevention program aimed at reducing substance use among Native men ages 18-26 years of age. The Hastiin Bidziil intervention has been adapted and culturally tailored from the Family Spirit Strengths and Common Elements Treatment Approach (FSS/CETA) that incorporates cultural strengths and skill-building to help reduce substance and mental health challenges that Native men may face. Participants will be randomized (like flipping a coin) to receive the Hastiin Bidziil program or a beneficial control group on basic vehicle maintenance.
Background
Problematic substance use (SU) is one of the leading causes of death of Native men, with ripple effects on community and family well-being. While Native Americans are disproportionately over-represented in health disparities, they are under-represented in availability of mental health and SU providers. Research shows that Native men have higher rates of SU, and SU-related comorbidities (e.g. mental illness) and consequences (e.g. incarceration) than Native women and Non-Hispanic White men.
Based on findings from the Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) intervention, a large portion of Navajo young men are struggling with active SU. Our community partners have urged us to develop an intervention to address this issue.
Study Goals
Aim 1: Adapt the Family Spirit Strengths/Common Elements Treatment Approach (FSS/CETA) and associated implementation strategies for young AI men, aged 18-26 years, resulting in the Hastiin Bidziil (Strong Man) intervention. Adaptation activities include collaboration with Community Research Councils (CRC, utilizing theater testing and debrief sessions with CRC members.
Aim 2: Determine the effectiveness of Hastiin Bidziil (Strong Man) intervention for reducing substance use (SU) among N = 160 young AI men (ages 18-26) using a randomized controlled trial design.
Aim 3: Explore mediators and moderators of the Hastiin Bidziil intervention, guided by CIRCLE’s Indigenist Ecological Systems Model to inform a precision approach to implementation.
Contact Information
Program Coordinator: Kyann Dedman-Cisco, kdedman1@jh.edu
Co-Lead: Jennifer Richards, jricha81@jh.edu
Co-Lead: Jerreed Ivanich, jerreed.ivanich@cuanschutz.edu