Family Spirit Strengths A Behavioral Health Program for Pregnant and Caregiving Females with Mental Health and Substance Use Risks

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Family Spirit Strengths FSS program to address mental and behavioral health challenges among American Indian and Alaska Native communities, where access to culturally appropriate care is limited. This study aims to test the effectiveness of FSS, a skills-based secondary prevention program that combines evidence-based practices and Indigenous cultural elements to help participants build coping skills, self-efficacy, and stronger community ties. The study uses a randomized controlled design comparing FSS with an evidence-based nutrition education program. Participants assigned to the FSS group will receive between 4 and 16 intervention sessions, averaging 6 to 8 visits, tailored to their mental and behavioral health needs based on regular in-session surveys. The comparison group will receive six bi-weekly nutrition education lessons from the Family Spirit Nurture curriculum, promoting healthy early childhood growth over a period of up to four months. Both programs are delivered through home visiting services. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 3 to 4 months, and 6 to 8 months after starting the program. Researchers will measure changes in mental health, including the number of poor mental health days, substance use, depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels using validated scales. The study is sponsored by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and focuses on culturally tailored interventions for improving mental health outcomes. The total duration of participation varies depending on timing of assessments.

Family Spirit Strengths