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01-04-2013 | Original Research

The Interconnections Project: Development and Evaluation of a Community-Based Depression Program for African American Violence Survivors

Authors: Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH, Stéphanie Wahab, MSW, PhD, Jammie Trimble, MA, Angie Mejia, MA, S. Renee Mitchell, MBA, Dora Raymaker, MS, Mary Jo Thomas, Vanessa Timmons, A. Star Waters

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 4/2013

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Multi-faceted depression care programs based within the healthcare system have been found to be effective, but may not fully address the needs of African American Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) survivors, many of whom are not seeking depression care in healthcare settings.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and evaluate a multifaceted, community-based depression care program (the Interconnections Project) for African American women with a history of IPV.

METHODS

We used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to develop, implement, and evaluate the intervention. Participants were African American women who had current depressive symptoms and a lifetime history of IPV. They participated in a 6-month intervention where a peer advocate provided education, skills training, and case management services, and used Motivational Interviewing to support self-management behaviors. We conducted pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments using quantitative and qualitative data.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine women participated, with 92 % attending any sessions and 51 % attending at least 6 h of intervention activities. Intervention changes made to better accommodate participants’ unpredictable schedules improved participation rates. Participants noted high levels of satisfaction with the program. There were significant improvements in depression severity (PHQ-9 13.9 to 7.9, p < 0.001), self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, and self-esteem (all p < 0.001), but no increase in use of antidepressants. Common themes related to why the program was helpful included that the program was by and for African American women, that it fostered trust, and that it taught self-management strategies with practical, lasting value.

CONCLUSION

Culturally specific, community-based interventions led by peer advocates may be a promising way to help African American IPV survivors effectively address depression.

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Title: The Interconnections Project: Development and Evaluation of a Community-Based Depression Program for African American Violence Survivors
Authors: Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH
Stéphanie Wahab, MSW, PhD
Jammie Trimble, MA
Angie Mejia, MA
S. Renee Mitchell, MBA
Dora Raymaker, MS
Mary Jo Thomas
Vanessa Timmons
A. Star Waters
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-012-2270-7

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The Interconnections Project: Development and Evaluation of a Community-Based Depression Program for African American Violence Survivors

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

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