The BRAVE Study: Formative Research to Design a Multimedia Intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native Young Adults.

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.