Developing a Culturally Grounded Evaluation Strategy for Indigenous Youth Returning to their Community After SU Therapy: A Research Protocol

Introduction. Few studies have explored the psychosocial rehabilitation of Indigenous youth following substance use (SU) therapy. Consequently, the sociocultural factors affecting their wellbeing upon returning to their communities—and the long-term psychosocial impacts of SU treatments—remain poorly understood. Moreover, numerous methodological and epistemological challenges persist in assessing changes in the psychosocial wellbeing of Indigenous youth following SU therapy. These challenges continue to hinder scientific research related to the psychosocial rehabilitation of Indigenous youth or bias its findings.

Goals and Methods. To advance research in this area, an innovative project was designed to define and test a promising strategy for evaluating long-term psychosocial wellbeing among Indigenous youth in Quebec, Canada, following SU therapy. Grounded in a qualitative design and the "Two-eyed seeing" approach, the project unfolds in three phases: 1) Focus groups with service providers and youth with SU experience will be led to assess the relevance and feasibility of various follow-up methods; 2) Through a modified-Delphi protocol incorporating Indigenous methodologies, a strategy to evaluate changes in the psychosocial wellbeing of Indigenous youth following SU therapy will be co-develop with phase 1 participants; 3) The evaluation strategy will be piloted with six youth returning to their communities post-therapy. Over the one-year pilot, its social acceptability will be assessed by both service providers (logbooks, talking circles) and youth (individual interviews).

Expected Results. The project aims to establish a culturally appropriate evaluation strategy tailored to monitor changes in the psychosocial wellbeing and to the unique needs of Indigenous youth post-SU treatment. It will also identify barriers and facilitators to implementing such a strategy, offering valuable insights for future research and contributing to evidence-based practices in Indigenous youth.

Conclusion. This presentation will share the project’s methodologies and ontological foundations, with a focus on integrating Western and Indigenous approaches within the Delphi protocol.