Grant: Project Grant

We know relatively little about alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and harms experienced by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. TGD youth experience stressors in their every day lives, such as victimization and discrimination, which may lead to excess AOD use and harms. Improving our understanding of these factors can help us support the wellness of TGD youth. This study will build upon previous pilot research and will use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and a participatory-action method (Cellphilms) with TGD youth who drink. For Study 1, using EMA, participants will complete brief surveys on their phones in their day-to-day lives to improve understanding of their experiences. For 21 days, 120 TGD youth (ages 15 - 25) will be asked questions about experiences leading up to times that they drink (such as victimization, discrimination), experiences while they drink (such as mood and drug effects), and experiences after they drink (such as harms, like a hangover, missing school or work, having a fight). Our research has found that TGD youth also tend to use nicotine products and cannabis, therefore, surveys will also characterize use of these substances and how they impact outcomes along or in combination with alcohol. For Study 2, 20 - 25 TGD youth who have experienced AOD-related harms will be supported in creating Cellphilms, which will be short videos to depict their experiences with AOD harms and accessing associated supports. These rich and multidimensional data will be used to catalyze discussion and mobilize action amongst key stakeholders. The findings will enable us to develop a clinically-informed model to understand AOD use and harms in TGD youth, which can improve our understanding of the health risks and contributors of AOD among TGD youth. Further, the findings and resulting model will inform the development of gender-inclusive public health policies and individual interventions to prevent AOD-related harms.