Fostering resiliency in African American mothers at risk for substance abuse

Objective: Share the results of an evidence-based, culturally-competent intervention for African American mothers at risk for substance abuse. Background: African American mothers are disproportionately likely to live in urban neighborhoods characterized by poverty, deteriorating housing, social isolation and violent crime. Yet, a majority of mothers who live in these neighborhoods exhibit resiliency. Methods: A consensus building process was used to gather input from university and community partners on identifying risk and protective factors for substance abuse among African American mothers in Head Start centers in the Washington, DC area. A model program, Effective Black Parenting, was selected during the process and implemented over an 8-week period using culturally responsive strategies. A quasi-experimental design was employed with an intervention group of 35 African American low-income mothers of preschoolers and a non-intervention group of 37 mothers of similar background. Results: Analyses of pre/posttest evaluation data indicated that, compared to the control group, the intervention decreased mothers' use of alcohol and drugs and improved their substance-abuse related knowledge and attitudes. The program was also effective in helping mothers improve their family routines, parenting, and use of cultural traditions in their home environment. Lessons learned: Applying principles of community-based participatory research and cultural competency facilitated retention of participants, program effectiveness, and connections with the community. Community level strategies are needed to reduce structural barriers to further promote healthy behaviors and reduce other risks for maternal substance abuse.