2027.0 - Using youth participatory action research to develop a sexual health and substance use prevention toolkit for Latina girls in Paterson, New Jersey

Session: Early and Adolescent Latino Health

Program: Latino Caucus

Time: 1 - 2 PM

Presenters:

Beatriz Duran Becerra, MPH

Ijeoma Opara,PhD, LMSW, MPH

Abstract

Background: In the United States, Latina adolescent girls experience high rates of teen dating violence, which may contribute to increased risk for negative sexual health, substance use, and mental health outcomes. Despite availability of prevention interventions that address substance use and sexual health, there are limited culturally relevant resources for Latina adolescent girls on identifying healthy romantic relationships. The purpose of this study is to utilize Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) to develop a community focused and culturally relevant healthy romantic relationships toolkit that addresses sexual health and substance use prevention for Latina adolescent girls in Paterson, New Jersey.

Methods: This project is part of a larger NIH funded study, The Paterson Prevention Project, which seeks to understand neighborhoods impact on substance use and mental health among Paterson youth. The study is guided by an active advisory board consisting of community leaders and youth. A sub-group was created to establish the Latina Youth Advisory Board, consisting of three Latina girls living in Paterson and between the ages of 17-20. Three focus groups were conducted in which the Latina Youth Advisory Board was asked for their thoughts on sexual health/ substance use topics, important cultural values in their community, and graphic design ideas. Youth narratives were transcribed and re-occurring themes and sub-themes were coded and analyzed.

Results: Based on the findings from the focus groups and with approval from the Latina Youth Advisory Board, the “Healthy Relationships Toolkit for Latina Girls” was developed to empower Latina girls from Paterson. The toolkit includes seven sections: 1) Identifying signs of healthy/ unhealthy relationships; 2) Setting and communicating boundaries; 3) Identifying and giving consent; 4) Ending unhealthy relationships; 5) Supporting friends; 6) Identifying cultural influences; 7) Understanding power & privilege.

Conclusions: A collaborative partnership with the Latina Youth Advisory Board was critical in designing a resource that is tailored to the specific needs and cultural values of Latina adolescent girls in Paterson, New Jersey. The development process for this toolkit provides a framework for public health professionals to incorporate YPAR methods in the development of culturally relevant and community- specific resources for Latinx youth.