Authors: Hima Patel et al.

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated: 

Journal: American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research

Keywords: Communication Technologies; Covid-19; HIV/AIDS; Pregnancy; Women's Health; Substance Use; Youth; Virtual; Telehealth

Short Abstract: American Indian/Alaska Native (Native) youth face high rates of substance use, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL), a sexual reproductive health and teen pregnancy prevention program for Native youth and their trusted adult, was adapted and delivered in a virtual format with Native youth in a rural, reservation-based Native community.

Abstract: American Indian/Alaska Native (Native) youth face high rates of substance use, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL), a sexual reproductive health and teen pregnancy prevention program for Native youth and their trusted adult, was adapted and delivered in a virtual format with Native youth in a rural, reservation-based Native community. This manuscript describes the adaptation process, feasibility, and acceptability of virtual program implementation. The manuscript describes the process of rapidly shifting the RCL program into a virtual format. In addition, a mixed-methods process evaluation of implementation forms, program feedback forms, in-depth interviews with participants, and staff debriefing sessions was completed. Results show virtual implementation of RCL is both feasible and acceptable for Native youth and their trusted adults. A key benefit of virtual implementation is the flexibility in scheduling and ability to have smaller groups of youth, which offers greater privacy for youth participants compared to in-person implementation with larger groups. However, internet connectivity did present a challenge for virtual implementation. Ultimately, sexual and reproductive health programs seeking to reach Native youth and families should consider virtual implementation methods, both during and outside of pandemic situations. NOTE: This project was conducted to better understand how the virtual implementation of the program was received by participants and not to draw any conclusions about its utility or impact.

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Source: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider205/journal_files/vol29/29_2_2022_63_patel.pdf

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article