Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Ijeoma Opara

Second Advisor

Trace Kershaw

Abstract

Adolescent substance use remains a significant public health issue, particularly for Black youth who face disproportionate consequences due to systemic inequities and community-level risk factors. While existing prevention programs exist, few are culturally tailored to the needs of Black families in urban environments. This thesis uses the ADAPT-ITT framework to guide the cultural adaptation of the Strong African American Families (SAAF) program, focusing on the “Assessment” phase through qualitative research.Twenty interviews were conducted with Black parents and guardians of youth aged 10–17 in Paterson and East Orange, New Jersey. Using rapid qualitative analysis, five key themes emerged: (1)Parent-Led Communication as First-Line Prevention, (2) Environmental Risk and Community-Level Exposure, (3) Gaps in Institutional Support and Trust, (4) Cultural Pressures from Peers and Media, and (5) Parental Readiness and the Need for Realistic, Culturally Grounded Tools. While parents actively engaged in prevention, they lacked institutional support, faced environmental risk, and called for more practical and culturally responsive resources. The findings highlight the need for community-based prevention efforts that center family voices, address structural barriers, and build trusted partnerships. This thesis offers actionable insights for developing equitable substance use interventions grounded in the realities of urban Black families.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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