The BRAVE Study: Formative Research to Design a Multimedia Intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native Young Adults
Stephanie Craig Rushing, Allyson Kelley, Steven Hafner, David Stephens, Michelle Singer, Dyani Bingham, Colbie Caughlan, Bethany Fatupaito, Amanda Gaston, Thomas Ghost Dog, Paige Smith, Danica Brown, Celena McCray
Abstract
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) young adults are strong and resilient. Interventions designed to improve their mental health and help-seeking skills are especially needed, particularly those that include culturally relevant resources and relatable role models. This paper presents formative research from the BRAVE study, a five-year community based participatory research project led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Formative research included three phases and more than 38 AI/AN young adults and content experts from across the United States. Results indicate that behavioral interventions can be feasibly delivered via text message to AI/AN young adults and that including Native youth in the formative research is critical to designing a comprehensive, culturally-responsive intervention. Lessons learned from this five-year process may help other youth-serving organizations, prevention programs, policymakers, researchers, and educators as they support the next generation of AI/AN leaders.