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

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.