240847 In-home Prevention of Substance Abuse Risks in Native Teen Families: Focus on Fathers

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 3:10 PM

Julia Powers, MHS , Department of Internationl Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Focus on Fathers Team , Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Background: High rates of substance abuse and fatherhood absence pose challenges for American Indian (AI) communities. Focus on Fathers is a unique mixed-methods descriptive study that supplements an ongoing family strengthening study for adolescent AI mothers and their children.

Methods: Data were collected in 2010-2011 Participants included fathers of babies and/or partners of adolescent mothers in an ongoing teen parenting study, and other community stakeholders. Quantitative data on drug use and parenting practices were collected using audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI). Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews and community roundtable discussions.

Results: N=74 fathers/male partners completed the ACASI and 125 individuals participated in interviews and/or community discussions. ACASI participants were 22.7 years old on average, and the vast majority were fathers of young children. Most (80%) were living with their female partners and 10% were married. Nearly half reported that living a traditional life was ‘very important' to them and said that being a good role model was most important in raising a child. Eighty percent had ever used alcohol and marijuana, 34% methamphetamines, and 31% cocaine. Thirty-four percent reported experiencing a drinking binge for at least two days. Qualitative findings offer interpretation of the ACASI data and inform potential directions for fatherhood programming.

Conclusions: Men in the sample believed that being a good father was important and valued their AI traditions. Drug and alcohol abuse may hinder these goals. Culturally relevant interventions are critical for helping AI men develop their parenting skills and avoid drug and alcohol abuse.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the unique study design and methodology used to inform a data-driven and culturally informed intervention for American Indian fathers. 2. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data on the risks and protective factors for substance abuse and parenting practices among a sample of American Indian fathers. 3. Evaluate correlations between drug use and parenting practices of fathers and the outcomes of mothers and babies. 4. Explore the use of both quantitative and qualitative data collection to inform intervention design.

Keywords: American Indians, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Ms. Powers is qualified to present because she is part of the coordination and training team that facilitates the implementation of the Focus on Fathers study. She is also part of the team conducting the analyses and dissemination of study data.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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