Applying the practical, robust, implementation and sustainability model (PRISM) to a community-based youth participatory action research program.

backgroundYouth participatory action research (YPAR) represents an empowerment-based process in which youth identify and address issues in their schools and communities. YPAR has been applied in diverse settings, but evaluations of YPAR implementations using an implementation and dissemination science (IDS) framework are limited. Our goal was to use the Practical, Robust, Implementation & Sustainability Model (PRISM) to evaluate a multisite community-based YPAR program.

methodsWe identified three community sites to implement Youth Leadership in Action (YLIA+), an eight session YPAR intervention. Any youth aged 13 and older was eligible to participate. Guided by PRISM, we collected data using: (1) observations during program sessions; (2) surveys completed at baseline, after each session, and at end of program; and (3) semi-structured interviews completed after the conclusion of the program. Informants included research personnel, program facilitators, and youth participants. Qualitative data was analyzed using directed content analysis. Quantitative data was summarized with descriptive statistics. Results were aggregated by PRISM domain to enable comparison of implementation determinants (e.g., Implementation & Sustainability Structure) and outcomes (e.g., Reach) across sites.

resultsAcross three sites, a total of 46 youth completed surveys at baseline. Most youth in YLIA + identified as Black or African American (n = 32; 70%). Attendance varied across sites (range: 8-23 youth). Youth reported high feasibility and acceptability. Fidelity varied based on perceived facilitator comfort with program material. Factors important for supporting implementation included: (1) fostering relationships between facilitators and youth; (2) ensuring adequate facilitator training; and (3) compensating youth for participation in the program. Key differences across sites were: (1) recruitment strategies (e.g., how youth learned about the program); (2) facilitator experience and training needs (e.g., prior involvement in similar programs); and (3) features of the external environment (e.g., accessibility to public transit). Youth at all sites noted positive impacts on their community awareness, social support, and psychological empowerment.

conclusionsUsing PRISM, we describe historical, cultural, and environmental factors supporting implementation of YLIA+. Conducting similar research in larger samples can allow assessment of effectiveness and implementation outcomes, providing insights into factors that differentially impact youths' experiences in the program.