A meta-analysis of culturally sensitive interventions designed to reduce high-risk behaviors among African American youth

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions (CSIs) in reducing high risk behaviors with African American youth. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of CSIs across seven studies. African American youth who participated in CSIs were less likely to engage in high risk behaviors compared to those who did not participate. The effect size was moderate (g =.35). Although the findings should be considered tentative, the results provide an initial quantitative assessment of CSI effectiveness that future evaluations and meta-analyses can build upon as CSI research expands.