Tailoring an Evidence-Based Intervention for Depressed Black Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Background: United States (US) Black women intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors with depression experience the poorest outcomes among all racial/ethnic women; yet few interventions address their nuanced needs. Depression is particularly pernicious for IPV survivors. And it is especially harmful among women with intersectional identities. Current interventions are largely failing. Black women reflect low uptake and high attrition. Centering their needs in intervention development may improve treatment adherence.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team of 16 stakeholders (e.g., diverse group of Black IPV survivors, including veterans, Afro Caribbean, and women with a physical disability; clergy; IPV advocates; and mental health clinicians), partnered with us. Workgroup participants were recruited from a larger formative study to understand how to implement an evidence-based intervention (EBI) for Black women survivors with depression help-seeking in faith-based organizations (FBOs). The ADAPT-ITT Model was employed to 1) review existing EBIs; 2) ensure culturally responsiveness; and 3) provide recommendations for tailoring the EBI. Workgroup members consented to session recording prior to participating. Transcribed data was triangulated via demographic surveys and field notes.

Results: Findings underscore the urgent need to center Black survivors’ needs. Findings suggest that they prefer a brief (<6 sessions) EBI for depression that can be delivered by providers with similar lived experiences in faith-based organizations. We further found that survivors prefer interventions that infuse their faith, account for social determinants of health and allow for in-person and virtual options. Importantly, fundamental to delivering a successful IPV intervention for depression is including psychoeducation about IPV and depression to increase awareness and understanding.

Conclusion: This is the first to employ the ADAPT-ITT Model for tailoring a culturally responsive EBI for Black women IPV survivors presenting with depression. Findings suggest that tailoring a brief intervention that is responsive to their nuanced needs will increase treatment adherence and improve uptake.