Culturally sensitive treatment for underrepresented adolescents with substance use: A systematic review

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Abstract

This article presents a systematic review of culturally adapted interventions targeting substance use disorders among underrepresented adolescents. The systematic review included Randomized Controlled Trials conducted with adolescents with substance use-related problems, implemented in the U.S. between January 2017 and February 2022; interventions not tailored explicitly for underserved populations were excluded from this review. The studies were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Also, the effect size reported for each outcome measurement was included, or if not reported, was calculated using the Psychometrika effect size calculator. The search yielded seven studies, and culturally adapted interventions performed significantly better than comparison conditions. Cultural adaptation appears to enhance the effectiveness of treatments for underserved adolescent populations with substance use problems. Results are discussed regarding the approaches to cultural adaptation, the social implications of alcohol use among Hispanic/Latine adolescents, cigarette use, incorporating family components in treatment, and other co-occurring risky behaviors

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to prevent or reduce substance use among newcomer populations?

Very strong evidence suggests that culturally adapted and family-centered substance use programs can be effective in immigrant and minority adolescents. Incorporating some level of cultural adaptation into a substance use program (even just translating materials) is associated with more positive outcomes in minority adolescents than maintaining the original format of a program. Programs that either…

About this study

AGE: Adolescents and/or Youth

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

INTERVENTION DURATION: Various

POPULATION: Other

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2023

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