Mom empowerment, too! (ME2): A program for young mothers involved in substance abuse

Substance abuse among young people is of critical concern to public health nurses. When substance abusers are young mothers without the skills, experi ence, guidance, or resources to became adequate parents, this problem is co mpounded. This study examined a community-based intervention program for yo ung mothers from the perspective of 42 participants, A qualitative, descrip tive design was used within a process of participatory action research. Two major domains emerged from the data: risk perceptions and behaviors, and h ealth promoting perceptions and behaviors. The study demonstrated the value of obtaining data from the participants and offers implications for practi ce and research.