A Community Approach to Enhancing Adolescent Health among Rural American Indians

The goal of this one-year study is to assess community readiness and obtain preliminary data to inform the development of a sexual and mental health program for AIAN adolescents. Readiness is the degree to which a community has the capacity and is prepared to take action on an issue and consists of six dimensions that influence preparedness. Assessing the six community readiness dimensions helps communities identify needs and develop strategies to address adolescent sexual health and trauma-related mental health concerns. Study data will benefit tribal and rural communities and the mental health and STI/HIV prevention field for AIAN youth. If successful, findings from this exploratory study will facilitate a community and academic partnership to expand treatment capacity and enhance sexual and mental health among AIAN youth living in a rural tribal community.