230443 Using qualitative analysis to examine intervention effects of MOMS: A behavioral intervention for mothers living with HIV

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Susan L. Davies, PhD , School of Public Health/Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Lucy Annang, PhD, MPH , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC
Michael Stracener, MSW, LCSW , College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
Jamie Stiller, BS , Department of Health Behavior, UAB School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Katharine E. Stewart, PhD, MPH , Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
Background: Qualitative methods were used to compliment quantitative analysis in describing overall program effects and identifying most useful elements of two behavioral interventions for mothers living with HIV. MOMS (Making Our Mothers Stronger), was a randomized, controlled trial comparing a theoretically grounded parenting intervention (“Parenting Skills for MOMS”) to a health focused intervention (“Healthy MOMS”) on various parenting and health outcomes. Methods: We conducted post-intervention focus groups (N=4) to elicit participants' (N=16) perceived responses to MOMS participation. Two focus groups were conducted with participants from each intervention condition. Constant comparison analyses of transcripts by three independent coders led to the development of a codebook outlining primary and supporting themes. Results: Participants from both groups expressed significant emotional benefits from the group support and connection (meeting new people, having others identify with their experiences). Benefits identified only by parenting intervention participants included acquired parenting skills (i.e., family management, less harsh discipline, consistent use of rewards and consequences) and increased acceptance of their child (and feeling “at peace” with their child). Benefits expressed only by health focused intervention participants included better medication adherence and increased reliance on prayer as a coping tool. Conclusions: While intervention content varied greatly, participants in both conditions valued the group support experience of sharing of themselves, trusting group members and being a resource for others. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach to gain insight on participant experiences in this way can inform future efforts to engage similarly vulnerable, socially isolated populations currently underserved for HIV and other services.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe at least three benefits of using qualitative methods in tandem with quantitative analyses to evaluate intervention effectiveness. Explain the unique barriers to HIV and other services faced by mothers living with HIV. Identify three tangible benefits of reciprocal social support experienced by individuals living with HIV.

Keywords: Maternal Well-Being, Health Education Strategies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the Principal Investigator on this research project and developed the MOMS intervention that i am presenting.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.