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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Margaret Ochner, MPH and Kelley Withy, MD, MS. John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 651 Ilalo St, MEB 401, Honolulu, HI 96813, 323-385-6123, mjo5@cdc.gov

Background: Kahua Ola Hou is a residential treatment program designed for adolescent substance abusers using the Native Hawaiian spiritual and cultural principles. Initial evaluation of the program demonstrated a 4% recidivism rate for crystal methamphetamine use. Objectives: To develop a more thorough program evaluation, a three step process was undertaken: 1. Root cause analysis identified the specific behaviors targeted by program activities; 2. Literature review identified the evidence supporting program activities; and 3. Creation of innovative evaluation measures of specific behavioral changes. Methods: Interviews with stakeholders were conducted and data compiled to define root causes of substance abuse in the community and the behaviors impacted by program activities; literature review to identify activities that are effective; and strategic planning to develop an evaluation system that appropriately measures the program impact. Results: Of the 48 individuals who have completed the three week residential treatment program, 100% developed a plan for healthy living and demonstrated improved communication, team work and conflict resolution skills prior to graduation. In follow up surveys, a majority of graduates, parents and counselors reported improvement of “root causes” including: communication skills, handling of conflict, quality of family interactions, safe living situations, participation in community service events, and attendance at work or school. In addition, over 90% denied having used crystal methamphetamine since treatment. Discussion: The preliminary evaluation of the Kahua Ola Hou program demonstrates effectiveness at decreasing substance use as well as improving behaviors identified as causes for substance use in the population studied.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the cultural factors on which a new substance abuse treatment program is based.
• Evaluate a unique substance abuse treatment program using use root cause analysis methods.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of a culturally tailored substance abuse treatment program.

Keywords: Evaluation, Substance Abuse Treatment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered