Program to improve health and reduce substance use among Choctaw youth
Wakaya: Rising Up for Choctaw Youth Health
This study is testing a nature-based program to help Choctaw youth aged 12-19 be more active, eat healthier, and reduce substance use by incorporating their cultural values.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 176 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Durant, Oklahoma and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05818384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program involves a two-group randomized waitlist-control trial aimed at enhancing physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviors, and promoting healthy eating habits among Choctaw youth aged 12-19. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the intervention immediately or wait for three months before starting. The intervention is an experiential, outdoor, nature-based program that incorporates Choctaw values and focuses on building motivation and leadership skills for healthier lifestyle choices. The study will recruit a total of 176 participants over five years, utilizing various community engagement strategies for recruitment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Choctaw youth aged 12-19 who live within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and exhibit unhealthy eating or sedentary behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of opioid or methamphetamine use, severe allergies, or disabilities that prevent physical activity may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the health and well-being of Choctaw youth by promoting healthier lifestyle choices and reducing substance use.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on culturally tailored interventions for youth health have shown promise, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be enrolled in Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) * Live within CNO tribal region for 12 months YES to one of the following: * Consumed sweetened beverages or processed/fast food 2x or more per week; OR * Engaged in excessive sitting or lying around (\>540 min/day) or engage in small screen recreation (\>2 hours/day); OR * Physical activity - spend \<60 minutes/day outdoors or \<2.5 hrs per week in moderate or vigorous physical activity OR spend \<60 minutes a day in moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic activity; OR * Engage in any T.V., small screen/video game recreation (\> 2 hours/day) Exclusion Criteria: * opioid/methamphetamine drug use (2 times or more in past month) * allergic reactions to food (e.g. peanuts), plant (poison oak or ivy) or insects (e.g. bees, fire ants) that caused difficulty in breathing or necessitated hospitalization or caused an anaphylactic reaction * disability that prevents student from walking or from engaging in exercise * aggressive, violent, combative or inappropriate behaviors * inability to follow directions * psychotic symptoms
Where this trial is running
Durant, Oklahoma and 1 other locations
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma — Durant, Oklahoma, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Washington, IWRI, School of Social Work — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle Johnson-Jennings, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Tee Benally
- Email: tbenally@uw.edu
- Phone: 833-265-4289
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.