Recruiting and Engaging American Indian and Alaska Native Teens and Young Adults in a SMS Help-Seeking Intervention: Lessons Learned from the BRAVE Study

David Stephens, Roger Peterson, Michelle Singer, Jacqueline Johnson, Stephanie Craig Rushing, Allyson Kelley, David Stephens, Roger Peterson, Michelle Singer, Jacqueline Johnson, Stephanie Craig Rushing, Allyson Kelley

Abstract

This paper shares lessons learned recruiting and engaging participants in the BRAVE study, a randomized controlled trial carried out by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the mHealth Impact Lab. The team recruited 2330 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) teens and young adults nationwide (15-24 years old) via social media channels and text message and enrolled 1030 to participate in the 9 month study. Teens and young adults who enrolled in this study received either: 8 weeks of BRAVE text messages designed to improve mental health, help-seeking skills, and promote cultural pride and resilience; or 8 weeks of Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) text messages, designed to elevate and re-affirm Native voices in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine; and then received the other set of messages. Results indicate that social media channels like Facebook and Instagram can be used to recruit AI/AN teens and young adults. Retention in this study was high, with 87% of participants completing both the BRAVE and STEM intervention arms. Lessons learned from this process may help teen and young adult-serving organizations, prevention programs, policy makers, researchers, and educators as they support the next generation of AI/AN change makers.

Keywords: Alaska Native (AIAN); American Indian; SMS intervention; adolescent; help-seeking skills; mHealth; recruitment and retention.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
This is a figure outlining participant recruitment, randomization, reach, and retention.

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