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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Edilma B. Guevara, DrPH, MPH, BSN1, Elnora P. Mendias, PhD, RN1, Connie Silva1, Cecilia M. Romero, MD2, Maria de los Angeles Paz, MPH3, Marcela Granados4, and Margarita Magallanes, BSN, MSN3. (1) School of Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1029, 409-772-8305, eguevara@utmb.edu, (2) School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1123, (3) Facultad de Enfermeria, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Gonzalitos #1500 Norte, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, N.L. Mexico, 64460, Mexico, (4) Family Violence Program, Office of the Secretary of Health of the State of Nuevo Leon, Matamoras 520 Ote., 3er Piso, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, 64000, Mexico
Domestic violence is a worldwide public health problem, often resulting in significant physical or emotional distress, including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Domestic violence is a growing concern in Mexico, where health officials are developing special programs for prevention and treatment. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Healing Touch intervention in non-pregnant Mexican women abused by a male partner. Eighty women who met study criteria and agreed to participate were enrolled, with 40 assigned to the treatment and 40 assigned to the comparison group. Women in the comparison group received routine clinic treatment consisting of 10 educational counseling sessions; some also received individual psychotherapy. Women in the treatment group received 10 Healing Touch sessions. PTSD scores for both groups were assessed before treatment initiation, at completion of the fifth session, and after completion of the 10 session. Twenty-eight women in the comparison group and 35 women in the treatment group completed the protocol. Initial PTSD scores were moderate to high in both groups. PTSD scores were significantly decreased in the treatment group (p<.01). Findings support the use of the selected Healing Touch techniques to decrease PTSD symptoms in abused women. However, there is a need for a randomized clinical trial.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Domestic Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.