title: Youths as partners in a community participatory project for substance use prevention.
abstract: This community-based participatory research project aimed to develop strategies to prevent youth substance use in a rural county. This article (1) describes the project phases, (2) examines unique contributions and considerations of youth involvement, and (3) explores the youths' perspective. Twelve youths, aged 16 to 18 years, joined parents, community leaders, and research specialists on the community-based participatory research team. The youths were integrally involved in all phases including the community assessment, community leader interviews, selection of a substance use prevention program, and program implementation. Youths reported sustained enthusiasm, experiences of authentic leadership, development of research skills, and greater awareness of their community.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville (Drs Kulbok and Thatcher and Ms Park); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg (Dr Meszaros and Ms Kimbrell); Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia (Dr Bond); and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Blacksburg (Ms Smith-Gregory).
authors.forename: Pamela A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kulbok
authors.forename: Peggy S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Meszaros
authors.forename: Donna C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thatcher
authors.forename: Eunhee
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kimbrell
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Smith-Gregory
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014768:Virginia