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BrotherlyACT: Technology-Enhanced Contemplative Practices for Violence-Impacted Young Black Men
Chuka Emezue
Associate Professor, Rush University Medical Center
We are currently conducting an IRB-approved formative study to develop and adapt a culturally tailored, strength-based web and mobile-accessible intervention called BrotherlyACT. This intervention is designed to prevent and reduce serious youth violence and lethality among young Black males (YBM), ages 15-24, by offering them brief psychoeducation on contemplative practices and non-judgmental behavior change strategies, as well as add-on digital tools (for risk assessment, goal setting, safety planning, and positive future orientation) – all delivered via a digital platform that meets YBM where they are.
BrotherlyACT will be based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Using a community-engaged approach, we will conduct a concurrent needs assessment of this type of intervention and rapid prototyping sessions with YBM (15-24 years) who have perpetrated any form of youth violence in the past year and their service providers with insights specific to Chicago neighborhoods.
Minigrant funds will be used for a 3-day violence prevention and youth health hackathon. We welcome YBM, ages 15-17, who live in Chicago or surrounding areas and interested in understanding the principles of mobile app and mHealth design, to participate in an online hands-on workshop. Our goals are 1) to spark their interest in mHealth interventions and even lead them to IT careers, 2) to provide them with technical experience that can be a viable addition to job CV/resume and college applications, 3) to provide participants with a learning opportunity that is hands-on and interdisciplinary. 4) Finally, we hope to provide certificates and the possibility of receiving a recommendation letter from the study team for college and job applications.
Community Partners: Chicago Black Therapists Network, Hekademeia Research Solutions
Needs Assessment of Resources for Minoritized Youth Chronic Pain
Susan Tran
Associate Professor, DePaul University
The goal of this formative research proposal is to assess the needs and assets of minoritized youth with chronic pain. As a result of this project, we anticipate learning about gaps in pain management resources available to Black youth. Youth of color and youth from economically marginalized neighborhoods are at increased risk for under-treatment of pain (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Chronic pain can last years, even through adulthood. Thus, timely treatment is recommended to improve adolescents’ quality of life. Ideal chronic pain management consists of evidence-based multidisciplinary approaches. Coordinated medical care, psychological support, and physical therapy can all benefit patients; unfortunately, there are often barriers to receiving this specialty care. While these treatment modalities are available in specialty chronic pain clinics, patients served in these clinics do not often come from minoritized backgrounds. Primary care physicians are often tasked with initial treatment of pain, and few providers outside of specialty chronic pain clinics have the resources or training to implement comprehensive pain management approaches. In order to understand how to best support minoritized youth with chronic pain and their families, we need to improve our understanding of community assets and needs, and stakeholder input regarding priorities for next steps.