Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Introduction: Current research examining urban First Nations communities highlight the high prevalence of concurrent disorders (combined substance abuse and mental illness). It is understood that historical trauma has had an important influence on such high prevalence rates; however, much work is still needed on how to help these communities tackle concurrent disorders amongst their members. There are programs in place that aim to target concurrent disorders in urban First Nations communities, but it is unclear how or if these programs work or don't work. The present study will conduct a formal evaluation of a community-based treatment program for concurrent disorders among urban First Nations people in Ontario. Questions: A realist methodology will be used in order to answer key questions including; what about the programme works/doesn't work? For whom does/doesn't the programme work? In what context(s) does/doesn't the programme work? Method: A group of staff and clients directly involved with the programme will attend a group interview in order for the research team to develop initial theories about the programme. These theories will then be tested by conducting in-depth staff and client interviews. Such interviews will be the main method of evaluation. Data Analysis: Interviews will be transcribed and coded for common themes that will address the key research questions (how, for whom, and in what context). Conclusions: Using this qualitative approach, recommendations for how to improve the program, as well as the strengths of the program will be uncovered. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to the knowledge on what are effective programs for treating concurrent disorders amongst Aboriginal peoples in Canada.