Integrating Interpersonal Aggression Content into Substance Use Prevention Programming: A Preliminary Adaptation of Keepin’ It REAL for Venezuelan Migrant Youth
摘要
Prevention programming focused on interpersonal aggression and related behaviors remains an important public health strategy, particularly as concerns about online aggression among youth grow. However, recent evidence suggests that participation in such programs is declining. Integrating interpersonal aggression content into substance use prevention interventions is a promising route to increase participation. The research question guiding this study explored the feasibility of adapting an existing evidence-based intervention to better serve the prevention needs of Venezuelan youth residing in the United States (U.S.) The article describes the process of adapting keepin’ it REAL to an online format for Venezuelan migrant youth in the U.S., while incorporating content on interpersonal aggression. We followed the steps outlined in the Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center model to adapt the intervention, including piloting the adapted intervention, while using the Ecological Validity Model to ensure all necessary content areas were addressed. Qualitative data was taken from formative focus groups with Venezuelan youth (n = 11), meetings with the youth community advisory board (n = 4), and focus groups with participants following pilot testing (n = 10). Results indicate that participants perceived integrating content on interpersonal aggression into other interventions as feasible, acceptable, and useful. The use of digital platforms and other technologies has the potential to expand the possibilities for cultural adaptation by removing geographic constraints on target populations, thereby enhancing health equity.