Substance Use Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in Urban Settings: Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation With Minoritized Youth

Sycarah Fisher, Kalea Benner, Hannah Huang, Elizabeth Day

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Substance use in minoritized youth is associated with negative long-term health and life outcomes. The present study explores perspectives of school stakeholders at urban minority-serving schools regarding integration of an evidence-based intervention, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) into existing school prevention models. Methods: Twenty-two participants were interviewed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers and facilitators to SBIRT implementation. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Results: Four major themes related to barriers to SBIRT implementation included: lack of training, unclear role expectations, student confidentiality, and punitive school climates. The 3 major facilitators included: the feasibility of the intervention, its fit within multi-tiered systems of support, and the districts increasing collaboration with community mental health providers. These major themes along with other minor themes are discussed. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: SBIRT implementation within low-income, minority-serving schools may reduce substance use disparities among minoritized youth, improving health and life outcomes. Recommendations addressed training, school climate, and student engagement, highlighting a collaborative and supportive approach involving all stakeholders. Conclusions: While SBIRT implementation has barriers and facilitators, overall, school staff were optimistic about implementation. In light of these findings, additional research should embed SBIRT in these settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)299-307
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of School Health
Volume94
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 American School Health Association.

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded to Sycarah Fisher R25 DA035163 (PI: Sorenson) and P50 DA05312 (PI: Kelly)

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of Health (NIH)P50 DA05312, DA035163

    Keywords

    • Minoritized youth
    • SBIRT and adolescents
    • SBIRT and schools
    • substance misuse and education

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Education
    • Philosophy
    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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