Culturally sensitive interventions and substance use: A meta-analytic review of outcomes among minority youths

This study assessed the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions (CSIs) (N = 10) designed to address substance use among minority youths. Study methods consisted of systematic search procedures, quality of study ratings, and meta-analytic techniques to gauge effects and evaluate publication bias. The results, across all measures and time frames, reveal small effects (Hedges's g = .118, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.004 to 0.232). For recent alcohol use, the effects were small (Hedges's g = .225, 95% CI = 0.015 to 0.435). For recent marijuana use, the effects failed to achieve significance (Hedges's g = .610, 95% CI = -0.256 to 1.476). Suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of CSIs are discussed along with the benefits and limitations of using meta-analyses versus narrative reviews to assess intervention effectiveness in emerging areas of research.