Preventing Cigarette Use Among Urban Youth Via an M-Health Primary Care Preventive Intervention

The face-to-face version of S4E (i.e., Storytelling for Empowerment) is registered as a best-practice with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs.The S4E mHealth app was developed in collaboration with youth in Southeast Michigan. Content produced for the application is based on scientific prevention principles in conjunction with youth input. To date, we have developed modules focused on youth alcohol and drug use, HIV and STIs. We now propose to develop modules focused on tobacco prevention and cessation. S4E aims to increase self-efficacy and communication about health risk behaviors. The face-to-face version of S4E has been shown to prevent and reduce substance use, including cigarette use, as well as increase (1) substance use prevention knowledge, (2) communication about health risk behaviors, and (3) perception of harm and self-efficacy in refusing licit and illicit substances.

Participants in the Attention-Matched Control group will receive a PDF version of the tobacco module material, an enhancement to the usual care they would receive should they not join the study. Participants in this group will also receive usual care. The Clinic's usual care includes standard risk behaviors intake form, pamphlets highlighting resources on sexual, physical, and mental health, and other healthcare services.