Proyecto Interconexiones: A Pilot Test of a Community-based Depression Care Program for Latina Violence Survivors

Background: Latina intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors often face great barriers to depression care. We sought to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to create and evaluate a community-based depression care program for Latina IPV survivors. Methods: We created a multifaceted, culturally tailored intervention, based on principles of chronic illness management. A promotora provided case management services and led 12 weekly group sessions. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 6 months and participated in open-ended exit interviews. Results: Ten Spanish-speaking Latina women participated in the intervention. The program had excellent attendance, with 100% of women attending at least 10 group sessions, and high satisfaction. We found a large decrease in depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9, 17.3-7.2; p =.001), as well as improvements in depression self-efficacy, self-esteem, and stress. Conclusion: This study offers promising preliminary data to support the use of community-based approaches to reducing depression disparities in Latina IPV survivors.