Adaptable Community-Engaged Intervention for Violence Prevention: Michigan Model

Abstract

Firearm possession and carriage are critical risks for firearm injury and mortality. Asian Americans (As-As) are one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S. A recent study conducted by the project team showed that racism and its link to increased firearm ownership and carrying during the pandemic put Asian Americans at a higher risk of firearm injury. Our long-term goal is to take action upstream to prevent injury and mortality by intervening with modifiable factors that place individuals at greater risk of involvement in firearm-related violence (FRV) in this vulnerable population. In this two-phase research project, the goal of the planning phase is to employ a mixed methods participatory action approach including photovoice and Geographic Information System (GIS) to investigate multi-level risks and protective factors against FRV, identify community-level resources and understand the intersectionality and contexts between these factors and firearm outcomes. For the implementation phase, the study team plans to use the findings generated in planning phase as an analytical tool to reveal salient multi-level factors related to FRV outcomes and develop, implement and evaluate proposed violence prevention intervention strategies that prioritize health equity and advance racial justice. Specifically, the study team will 1) Conduct a cluster randomized trial to examine effects of proposed intervention on individual- and community level outcomes related to firearms violence, and 2) Perform in-depth case studies with community implementation sites to understand barriers and facilitators for future adoption and sustainability. Throughout the project period, the study will collaborate in all phases and actively participate in CLIF-VP Research Network activities, including participation in workgroups and regular meetings with the Steering Committee and closely working with the Coordinating Center for data support and technical assistance in measurement, data handling, management, harmonization, sharing/archiving) and consultation for public engagement and scientific dissemination products. The expected outcomes of the project will provide a solid basis for development and testing of an evidence-based intervention that prevents firearm violence among Asian Americans. The proposed Community Health Worker (CHW) violence prevention, if tested and shown effective, has a potential for scalable adaptations to other settings.