Research Project
The Effects of Street Outreach on the Mental Health of African-Americans at Risk of Violence
- Principal Investigator
- Neita, Michelle-Ann Rhoden
- Research Area(s)
- Research & Sponsored Projects
Abstract
Previous studies showed that street outreach, a community-based public health intervention, can improve the health outcomes of residents in high-violence communities affected by structural violence. Yet, studies are limited on the impact of street outreach on mental health indicators such as risk of victimization, resilience, and goal achievement among African Americans (AA) at risk of being a victim and/or perpetrator of violence. This pilot project uses an exploratory mixed methods design to address two main aims. First, we examine the association between street outreach, goal achievement, and risk of victimization of program participants in two Southside communities in Chicago. Because COVID-19 may have exacerbated pre-existing health inequities in these communities, we also assess the extent to which COVID-19 moderates the association between street outreach and mental health outcomes as well as the changes in these health outcomes overtime (baseline, pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19). Second, we use thematic analysis to explore the experiences of street outreach and resilience-building among program participants and street outreach staff. Knowledge gleaned from this project has the potential to impact practices and policies aimed at improving health outcomes for high-violence AA communities.