Introduction
In the realm of speech-language pathology and child development, data-driven decisions are crucial. The recent study titled "Feasibility and acceptability of a peer provider delivered substance use screening and brief intervention program for youth in Kenya" provides valuable insights into how peer-delivered interventions can effectively address substance use among youth. This blog will explore the study's findings and discuss how practitioners can leverage these insights to improve outcomes for children.
The Study: A Data-Driven Approach
The study conducted in Kenya aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-delivered, single-session substance use screening and brief intervention program for youth aged 15-24 years. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. The intervention was administered by trained peer providers to 100 youth, with the goal of assessing its feasibility and acceptability.
Key Findings
- Prevalence of Substance Use: The study found a lifetime prevalence of substance use among youth at 50%, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance.
- Acceptability: The intervention was found to be acceptable "a lot" of the time, with a mean acceptability score of 3.53 out of 4 from the youth's perspective.
- Feasibility: Peer providers and clinic staff rated the feasibility of the intervention between "a moderate amount" and "a lot," indicating its practicality in real-world settings.
- Impact on Behavior: Youth reported that the intervention was helpful in reducing or stopping substance use, highlighting its potential for positive behavioral change.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and child development, these findings underscore the importance of integrating peer-delivered interventions into practice. Here are some practical applications:
- Leverage Peer Support: Utilize peer providers to deliver interventions, as they can relate to youth and provide empathetic support.
- Focus on Acceptability: Ensure interventions are perceived as acceptable by the target population to enhance engagement and effectiveness.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Use quantitative and qualitative data to inform intervention design and implementation, ensuring they meet the needs of the population.
- Encourage Further Research: Practitioners should consider conducting further research to explore the long-term effectiveness and scalability of peer-delivered interventions.
Conclusion
The study highlights the potential of peer-delivered interventions to address substance use among youth effectively. By leveraging data-driven insights and focusing on acceptability and feasibility, practitioners can enhance outcomes for children. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Feasibility and acceptability of a peer provider delivered substance use screening and brief intervention program for youth in Kenya.
