Acceptability and Improvement of a Library-Based Substance Use Prevention Intervention

Youth affected by household challenges are more susceptible to early substance use and are more than twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder later in adulthood than their peers. Despite the considerable need, effective, community-based substance use prevention programs are limited and may not address the current needs of youth, specifically for Black youth. Better Together is an age-appropriate, culturally relevant intervention designed to prevent substance use among Black youth exposed to household challenges. The newly created intervention is intended to be delivered in partnership with libraries. This study describes the process used to assess the acceptability and improvement of the Better Together Intervention. A total of 23 individuals (i.e., 9 librarians, 6 parents, and 8 youth) participated in focus groups. In terms of acceptability, participants found Better Together to be clear, relatable, and well-organized. They made five recommendations for improvements. Steps to revise the intervention based on participant responses and assess feasibility are discussed.