Afghan Evacuee Resettlement for Stronger Communities (AER)

Background. Under Operation Allies Welcome, approximately 88,500 Afghan evacuees have resettled in the United States (US). Evacuees face unique integration, well-being, and mental health challenges. Settlement is nationwide, including key locations of Illinois (IL) and Tennessee (TN).

Study aims. In the proposed study, investigators will pilot test a 3-week culturally responsive and flexible, sprint (rapid) intervention, AER (Afghan Evacuee Resettlement) for Stronger Communities, with Afghan evacuees in IL and TN. A beta version of the first-ever AI platform, Dost, for Afghan evacuees will also be tested. Innovation. This is the first flexible and culturally responsive intervention and AI app created for Afghan evacuees to be delivered in English and Dari.

Up-to-date data from evacuees over the past year inform this intervention. Methods. To pilot test the intervention, a randomized control trial (RCT) with an optional waitlist will be conducted with approx. 50-60 evacuees across IL and TN. Community liaisons from partner agencies will also be recruited for intervention delivery. Participants in the intervention group will also be able to access the AI platform. Evacuees and liaisons will be invited to provide feedback on the intervention and evacuees will be invited to provide feedback on the platform. Expected results. Investigators expect to test the central hypothesis of the study, that individuals who receive the sprint intervention and access the AI platform will have reduced stress outcomes (integration, social relationships, and mental health) compared to those who do not. Impact. Findings will build new evidence for migrants in Chicago and nationally. This project will also further interdisciplinary collaboration across Loyola University Chicago and beyond.

Background. Under Operation Allies Welcome, approximately 88,500 Afghan evacuees have resettled in the United States (US). Evacuees face unique integration, well-being, and mental health challenges. Settlement is nationwide, including key locations of Illinois (IL) and Tennessee (TN).

Study aims. In the proposed study, investigators will pilot test a 3-week culturally responsive and flexible, sprint (rapid) intervention, AER (Afghan Evacuee Resettlement) for Stronger Communities, with Afghan evacuees in IL and TN. A beta version of the first-ever AI platform, Dost, for Afghan evacuees will also be tested. Innovation. This is the first flexible and culturally responsive intervention and AI platform created for Afghan evacuees to be delivered in English and Dari.

Up-to-date data from evacuees over the past year inform this intervention. Methods. To pilot test the intervention, a randomized control trial (RCT) with an optional waitlist will be conducted with 50-60 evacuees across IL and TN. Community liaisons from partner agencies will also be recruited for intervention delivery. Participants in the intervention group will also be able to access the AI platform. Evacuees and liaisons will be invited to provide feedback on the intervention and evacuees will be invited to provide feedback on the platform. Expected results. Investigators expect to test the central hypothesis of the study, that individuals who receive the sprint intervention and access the AI platform will have reduced stress outcomes (integration, social relationships, and mental health) compared to those who do not. Impact. Findings will build new evidence for migrants in Chicago and nationally. This project will also further interdisciplinary collaboration across Loyola University Chicago and beyond.

The project is closely aligned with the priorities of the Schreiber Venture Fund that funded the pilot testing. Ultimately, findings will also lay the foundation for a future R01 NIH grant and have transdisciplinary implications.

Eligibility Criteria:
1. 18 years old or older, resettled to US post-2021 from Afghanistan
2. speaks English or Dari
3. has access to smart phone.