The Associations Between Gender Minority Stressors and PTSD Symptom Severity Among Trauma-Exposed Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults

This study investigates associations between minority stressors, traumatic stressors, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity in a sample of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults. We utilized surveys and clinical interview assessments to assess gender minority stress exposures and responses, and PTSD. Our sample (N = 43) includes adults who identified as a minoritized gender identity (i.e., 39.5% trans woman or woman, 25.6% trans man or man, 23.3% genderqueer or nonbinary, 11.6% other identity). All participants reported at least one traumatic event (i.e., life threat, serious injury, or sexual harm). The most common trauma events reported by the sample were sexual (39.5%) and physical violence (37.2%), with 40.9% of participants anchoring their symptoms to a discrimination-based event. PTSD symptom severity was positively correlated with both distal (r = 0.36, p = .017) and proximal minority stressors (r = 0.40, p < .01). Distal minority stress was a unique predictor of current PTSD symptom severity (b = 0.94, p = .017), however, this association was no longer significant when adjusting for proximal minority stress (b = 0.18, p = 0.046). This study suggests that minority stress, especially proximal minority stress, is associated with higher PTSD symptom severity among TGD adults.

A patient-centered model of mental health care for trauma and minority stress in transgender and gender diverse people: A bottom-up network analysis

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are disproportionately exposed to traumatic and high-impact minority stressors which can produce an array of transdiagnostic symptoms. Some clinical presentations align well with established evidence-based treatments, but others may require patient-centered modifications or combined approaches to address treatment needs. In this study, we employed a novel, bottom-up approach to derive insights into preferred intervention strategies for a broad range of trauma- and TGD-minority stress-related expressions of clinical distress. Participants (18 TGD individuals, 16 providers) completed a q-sort task by first sorting cards featuring traumatic experiences and/or minority stressors and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms into groups based on perceived similarity. Next, participants sorted interventions they believed to be most relevant for addressing these concerns/symptoms. We overlayed networks of stressors and symptoms with intervention networks to evaluate preferred intervention strategies. TGD networks revealed transdiagnostic clustering of intervention strategies and uniquely positioned the expectancy of future harm as a traumatic stressor. Provider networks were more granular in structure; both groups surprisingly emphasized the role of self-defense as intervention. While both networks had high overlap, their discrepancies highlight patient perspectives that practical, material, and structural changes should occur alongside traditional clinical interventions.

Supporting the implementation of written exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in an obstetrics-substance use disorder clinic in the Northeastern United States

Pregnant people with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) constitute a highly vulnerable population. PTSD and SUD confer risks to both the pregnant person and the fetus, including a host of physical and mental health consequences. When PTSD and SUD co-occur, potential negative impacts are amplified, and the symptoms of each may exacerbate and maintain the other. Pregnancy often increases engagement in the healthcare system, presenting a unique and critical opportunity to provide PTSD and SUD treatment to birthing people motivated to mitigate risks of losing custody of their children. This paper presents implementation process outcomes of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a brief, scalable, and sustainable evidence-based PTSD treatment delivered to pregnant persons receiving care in an integrated obstetrical-addiction recovery program at Boston Medical Center. Trial participants (N = 18) were mostly White, non-Hispanic (61.1%), not currently working (77.8%), had a high school or lower level of education (55.5%), had an annual household income less than $35,000 (94.4%), and were living in a substance use residential program (55.6%). We examined intervention feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption; barriers and facilitators to implementation; and feedback on supporting uptake and sustainability of the intervention using coded qualitative sources (consultation field notes [N = 47] and semi-structured interviews [N = 5]) from providers involved in trial planning and treatment delivery. Results reflected high acceptability, appropriateness, and adoption of WET. Participants described system-, provider-, and patient-level barriers to implementation, offered suggestions to enhance uptake, but did not raise concerns about core components of the intervention. Findings suggest that WET is an appropriate and acceptable PTSD treatment for this difficult-to-reach, complex population, and has the potential to positively impact pregnant persons and their children.

Considerations for the provision of PTSD treatment among pregnant women with substance use histories: A clinical conceptual model based on case consultation field notes

OBJECTIVE

Increasing prevalence of substance use in pregnancy presents a public health crisis that is compounded by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbidity. We aimed to detail the clinical complexities of PTSD treatment provision among pregnant women with substance use histories.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study using clinical case consultation field notes (N = 47 meetings) which were gathered during a hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study of Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for PTSD among pregnant women seen in an obstetrics-SUD clinic [2019-2021]. Patient baseline survey data (N = 25) were used to characterize the sample and contextualize engagement.

RESULTS

Participants were exposed to a high number of trauma/adversity event types. There was no association between number of trauma/adversity event types and treatment response or dropout. Qualitative findings revealed clinical features relevant to PTSD treatment, including multi-system involvement; parental trauma and substance use; relevance of substance use to trauma context and posttraumatic cognitions, emotions, and behaviors; impact of trauma on experiences of pregnancy, attachment, and child rearing; limited social networks placing women at risk of ongoing violence; and experiences of substance use discrimination.

CONCLUSION

PTSD treatment among pregnant women with substance use histories is highly important to maternal-child health.

Study protocol for a hybrid 1 effectiveness-implementation trial of Brief Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) and web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder in integrated primary care

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionally affects low-income, racial and ethnic minoritized communities, where prevalence is high, yet access to evidence-based treatments (EBTs) is low. As such, there is a need to identify effective, feasible, and scalable interventions for PTSD. Stepped care approaches that include brief, low-intensity treatments are one approach to improving access yet have not been developed for adults with PTSD. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of a step one PTSD treatment in primary care while gathering information on implementation to maximize sustainability in the setting.

METHODS

This study will be conducted in integrated primary care in the largest safety net hospital in New England using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design. Eligible trial participants are adult primary care patients who meet full or subthreshold criteria for PTSD. Interventions include Brief clinician-administered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) versus web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) during a 15-week active treatment period. Participants complete assessments at baseline (pre-treatment), 15 weeks (post-treatment), and 9 months (follow-up) post-randomization. We will assess feasibility and acceptability post-trial using surveys and interviews with patients, study therapists, and other key informants, and will assess the preliminary effectiveness of interventions in terms of PTSD symptom change and functioning.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of brief, low-intensity interventions in safety net integrated primary care, with the aim of including these interventions in a future stepped care approach to PTSD treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT04937504.

Written exposure therapy for treatment of perinatal PTSD among women with comorbid PTSD and SUD: A pilot study examining feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

This pilot open trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a 5-session evidence-based intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy. Participants were pregnant women with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) receiving prenatal care in a high risk obstetrics-addictions clinic.

METHODS

A total of 18 participants with probable PTSD engaged in the intervention, and 10 completed the intervention and were included in outcome analyses. Wilcoxon's Signed-Rank analyses were used to evaluate PTSD and depression symptoms and craving at pre-intervention to post-intervention and pre-intervention to the 6-month postpartum follow-up. Engagement and retention in WET and therapist fidelity to the intervention manual were used to assess feasibility. Quantitative and qualitative measures of patient satisfaction were used to assess acceptability.

RESULTS

PTSD symptoms significantly decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention (S = 26.6, p = 0.006), which sustained at the 6-month postpartum follow-up (S = 10.5, p = 0.031). Participant satisfaction at post-intervention was high. Therapists demonstrated high adherence to the intervention and excellent competence.

CONCLUSIONS

WET was a feasible and acceptable treatment for PTSD in this sample. Randomized clinical trial studies with a general group of pregnant women are needed to expand upon these findings and perform a full-scale test of effectiveness of this intervention.

Formative evaluation prior to implementation of a brief treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in primary care

BACKGROUND

Successful implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in primary care may address treatment access and quality gaps by providing care in novel and less stigmatized settings. Yet, PTSD treatments are largely unavailable in safety net primary care. We aimed to collect clinician stakeholder data on organizational, attitudinal, and contextual factors relevant to EBT implementation.

METHODS

Our developmental formative evaluation was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), including (a) surveys assessing implementation climate and attitudes towards EBTs and behavioral health integration and (b) semi-structured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and need for augmentation. Participants were hospital employees (N = 22), including primary care physicians (n = 6), integrated behavioral health clinicians (n = 8), community wellness advocates (n = 3), and clinic leadership (n = 5). We report frequency and descriptives of survey data and findings from directed content analysis of interviews. We used a concurrent mixed-methods approach, integrating survey and interview data collected simultaneously using a joint display approach. A primary care community advisory board (CAB) helped to refine interview guides and interpret findings.

RESULTS

Stakeholders described implementation determinants of the EBT related to the CFIR domains of intervention characteristics (relative advantage, adaptability), outer setting (patient needs and resources), inner setting (networks and communication, relative priority, leadership engagement, available resources), and individuals involved (knowledge and beliefs, cultural considerations). Stakeholders described strong attitudinal support (relative advantage), yet therapist time and capacity restraints are major PTSD treatment implementation barriers (available resources). Changes in hospital management were perceived as potentially allowing for greater access to behavioral health services, including EBTs. Patient engagement barriers such as stigma, mistrust, and care preferences were also noted (patient needs and resources). Recommendations included tailoring the intervention to meet existing workflows (adaptability), system alignment efforts focused on improving detection, referral, and care coordination processes (networks and communication), protecting clinician time for training and consultation (leadership engagement), and embedding a researcher in the practice (available resources).

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluation identified key CFIR determinants of implementation of PTSD treatments in safety net integrated primary care settings. Our project also demonstrates that successful implementation necessitates strong stakeholder engagement.

Considerations and complexities of accurate PTSD assessment among transgender and gender diverse adults

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults is complex because the literature offers little guidance on affirming assessment that accurately captures both trauma- and discrimination-related distress. This study aimed to characterize threats to precise PTSD assessment that arose during the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (CAPS-5). Our sample (N = 44) included trans women (38%), trans men (25%), nonbinary people (23%), and other TGD identities (14%). Participants were mostly White (75%), non-Latinx (82%), educated (91% at least some college), with a mean age of 37 years (SD = 15.5). Demographic and CAPS-5 scoring data as well as content analysis of audio-recorded CAPS-5 interviews are reported. All participants reported trauma exposure, and nearly half met PTSD diagnostic criteria (49%). Interpersonal assault was a common trauma type linked to posttraumatic symptoms (77%); 41% were sexual assaults; and 41% were discrimination-based (e.g., linked to gender identity) physical or sexual assaults. Qualitative findings suggest how and when discrimination-related experiences may threaten PTSD assessment accuracy, leading to overpathologizing or underdetection of symptoms, for example, (a) initial selection of a noncriterion A discrimination event as "worst event," (b) linking symptoms to internalized transphobia (rather than trauma), and (c) linking victimization to gender identity/expression. Threats to PTSD assessment were more common when symptoms were linked to discrimination-based traumatic events, suggesting the importance of understanding contextual factors of index events. We offer a framework for understanding unique challenges to the assessment of PTSD among TGD people and provide recommendations for improving assessment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A bottom-up approach to developing a unified trauma-minority stress model for transgender and gender diverse people

OBJECTIVE

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are at heightened risk of both Criterion A trauma exposure and other bias-related minority stressors (e.g., discrimination, rejection). In the absence of a unified trauma-minority stress theory, it remains unclear how to best conceptualize psychopathology for people who experience both trauma and minority stress.

METHOD

Using a participant-driven q-sort methodology and network analytic approach, we analyzed card sort data from 18 TGD people and 16 providers with expertise in TGD care to derive thematic networks of trauma and minority stress experiences, as they connected to transdiagnostic symptoms (e.g., hyperarousal, avoidance).

RESULTS

The TGD participants' resulting network illustrates conceptualizations of identity- and nonidentity-based Criterion A traumas as similar and only related to psychiatric symptoms via the shared connection through other minority stressors. The provider network was more granular, although the general pattern was consistent with TGD participants, demonstrating similar perceptions of how these experiences are associated.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence of inextricable links between trauma and psychiatric symptoms through the conduit of minority stressors lays the groundwork for novel, integrated models of trauma, minority stress, and their transdiagnostic symptom sequelae. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Consideration of racism experiences in the implementation of trauma-focused therapy in primary care

OBJECTIVE

To understand providers' perceptions of how a patient's experience of racism may impact the successful implementation of a brief posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment in the safety net integrated primary care setting. To conduct a developmental formative evaluation prior to a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING

From October 2020 to January 2021, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with integrated primary care stakeholders (N = 27) at the largest safety net hospital in New England, where 82% of patients identify as racial or ethnic minorities.

STUDY DESIGN

Interviews with clinical stakeholders were used to (a) contextualize current patient and provider experiences and responses to racism, (b) consider how racism may impact PTSD treatment implementation, (c) gather recommendations for potential augmentation to the proposed PTSD treatment (e.g., culturally responsive delivery, cultural adaptation), and (d) gather recommendations for how to shift the integrated primary care practice to an antiracist framework.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

Interview data were gathered using remote data collection methods (video conferencing). Participants were hospital employees, including psychologists, social workers, primary care physicians, community health workers, administrators, and operations managers. We used conventional content analysis.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Clinical stakeholders acknowledged the impact of racism, including racial stress and trauma, on patient engagement and noted the potential need to adapt PTSD treatments to enhance engagement. Clinical stakeholders also characterized the harms of racism on patients and providers and provided recommendations such as changes to staff training and hiring practices, examination of racist policies, and increases in support for providers of color.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contextualizes providers' perceptions of racism in the integrated primary care practice and provides some suggestions for shifting to an antiracist framework. Our findings also highlight how racism in health care may be a PTSD treatment implementation barrier.

Leveraging multistakeholder engagement to develop an implementation blueprint for a brief trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in primary care

Objective: The implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) to address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a public health priority. Successful EBT implementation requires effective collaboration between multiple stakeholder groups, including hospital leaders, providers, and patients, to build buy-in for this effort. Method: We describe our implementation science approach to meaningful stakeholder engagement, as part of a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation for PTSD treatment in primary care (STAIR-PC) at a large safety net hospital. We used primary care and patient community advisory boards (CABs) to interpret key informant interviews and identify strategies to adapt the intervention to ensure fit with the primary care setting. We documented our stakeholder engagement methodology through comprehensive field notes and minutes from CAB meetings, detailing the focus of meetings, suggestions for intervention and delivery adaptations, decision-making processes, and how disagreements about adaptations between stakeholders were resolved. To support replicability, we specify and operationalize implementation strategies to be used across each implementation phase of the trial. Results: Key strategies involved a) ensuring that research questions are relevant to both patients and clinical providers; b) tailoring interventions that are flexible and adaptable to the needs of the local setting; c) continuous engagement of patients and providers throughout the implementation process; and d) building mutual respect, trust, and credibility between the research team, various provider groups, and patients. Conclusions: Our approach to engaging stakeholders informed an implementation blueprint to guide implementation of EBTs for PTSD in safety net hospital primary care clinics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A consultation with feedback approach to supporting fidelity to a peer-delivered intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder

Background:

Despite promising findings regarding the safety, fidelity, and effectiveness of peer-delivered behavioral health programs, there are training-related challenges to the integration of peers on health care teams. Specifically, there is a need to understand the elements of training and consultation that may be unique to peer-delivered interventions.

Methods:

As part of a pilot effectiveness-implementation study of an abbreviated version of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we conducted a mixed-methods process evaluation utilizing multiple data sources (questionnaires and field notes) to characterize our approach to consultation and explore relations between fidelity, treatment outcome, and client satisfaction.

Results:

Peer interventionists exhibited high fidelity, defined by adherence ( M = 93.7%, SD = 12.3%) and competence ( M = 3.7 “competent,” SD = 0.5). Adherence, β = .69, t(1) = 3.69, p < .01, and competence, β = .585, t(1) = 2.88, p < .05, were each associated with trial participant’s satisfaction, but not associated with clinical outcomes. Our synthesis of fidelity-monitoring data and consultation field notes suggests that peer interventionists possess strengths in interpersonal effectiveness, such as rapport building, empathy, and appropriate self-disclosure. Peer interventionists evidenced minor challenges with key features of directive approaches, such as pacing, time efficiency, and providing strong theoretical rationale for homework and tracking.

Conclusion:

Due to promise of peers in expanding the behavioral health workforce and engaging individuals otherwise missed by the medical model, the current study aimed to characterize unique aspects of training and consultation. We found peer interventionists demonstrated high fidelity, supported through dynamic training and consultation with feedback. Research is needed to examine the impact of consultation approach on implementation and treatment outcomes.

Plain Language Summary:

Peers—paraprofessionals who use their lived experiences to engage and support the populations they serve—have been increasingly integrated into health care settings in the United States. Training peers to deliver interventions may provide cost savings by way of improving efficient utilization of professional services. Despite promising findings in regard to safety, intervention fidelity, and effectiveness of peer delivery, there are important challenges that need to be addressed if peers are to be more broadly integrated into the health care system as interventionists. These include challenges associated with highly variable training, inadequate supervision, and poor delineation of peer’s roles within the broader spectrum of care. Thus, there is a need to understand the unique components of training and consultation for peers. We report key findings from an evaluation of a pilot study of an abbreviated version of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adapted for peer delivery. We characterize our approach to consultation with feedback and explore relations between fidelity, treatment outcome, and client satisfaction. Our study extends the small yet growing literature on training and consultation approaches to support fidelity (adherence and competence) among peer interventionists. Organizations hoping to integrate peers on health care teams could utilize our fidelity-monitoring approach to set benchmarks to ensure peer-delivered interventions are safe and effective.

Improving affirming care for sexual and gender minority veterans

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations face a range of health disparities that all health care systems must address. In response to known health disparities, the LGBT Health Program of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) developed policies supporting the provision of affirming care to LGBT veterans. To support policy implementation, the program launched the LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBT VCC) Program in 2016, requiring every VHA facility to appoint at least one clinical staff member to serve as an LGBT VCC. This quality improvement project reports on LGBT VCCs' perspectives on the state of affirming care at their facilities in the first year of the program. LGBT VCCs (n = 79) completed a brief online survey, including qualitative questions on barriers and facilitators to implementation, and general recommendations for the program. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided directed content analysis of reported facilitators and barriers. The highest proportion of facilitators and barriers reported by the LGBT VCCs were coded under leadership engagement, available resources, other personal attributes, organizational culture, and networking and communications. LGBT VCCs requested additional support in securing adequate designated administrative time, engaging with facility leadership, improving networking and communication, tailoring programing, and providing professional advancement opportunities. Organizing findings using the CFIR enabled the LGBT Health Program to effectively promote facilitators and address barriers experienced during the startup year of the LGBT VCC Program. The VHA's efforts to reduce LGBT veteran health disparities may serve as a model for other health care systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

A Stakeholder-Engaged Process for Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for Peer Delivery

PURPOSE

Peer providers represent a growing sector of the U.S. workforce, yet guidance is needed on best practices for adapting behavioral health interventions for peer delivery.

METHODS

We utilized the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based interventions (FRAME; Wiltsey Stirman et al. 2013, 2019) to describe how we systematically adapted Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for peer delivery. Our process was iterative and relied on engagement of multiple stakeholders, including a work group of organizational leaders (N = 5), peer interventionists (N = 4), intervention experts (N = 2), and trial participants (N = 18). The FRAME was used to guide rapid coding across multiple data sources, including researcher field notes, meeting minutes, and intervention manual documents, and content analysis of semi-structured interviews with peer interventionists and trial participants.

RESULTS

Phase 1 (pre-trial) focused on modifications for fit with the local context and peer model. Key modifications focused on improving intervention design and packaging, removing clinical and stigmatizing language, and addressing peer interventionist training gaps. We used a hybrid approach to delivery, whereby we integrated peer model principles (self-disclosure, mutuality) into a directive approach. Phase 2 (trial) included reactive fidelity-consistent adaptations, such as additional educational resources. Phase 3 (post-trial) focused on adaptations to support roll-out of the intervention at the peer organization (e.g., group format).

CONCLUSION

Our stakeholder-engaged process may serve as a helpful exemplar to others tailoring interventions for peer delivery. Future research is needed to understand the role of stakeholder engagement and adaptation in implementation success.

Principles of Care for Young Adults With Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders

Over 50% of young adults (defined as individuals aged 18-25 years) with substance use disorders (SUDs) have at least 1 co-occurring psychiatric disorder, and the presence of co-occurring disorders worsens SUD outcomes. Treatment of both co-occurring psychiatric disorders and SUDs in young adults is imperative for optimal treatment, yet many barriers exist to achieving this goal. We present a series of evidence-informed principles of care for young adults with co-occurring psychiatric disorders derived by a workgroup of experts convened by Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction. The 3 principles are as follows: (1) young adults should receive integrated mental health and addiction care across treatment settings; (2) care should be responsive to the needs of young adults exposed to trauma and other adverse childhood experiences; and (3) treatment programs should regularly assess and respond to the evolving mental health needs, motivations, and treatment goals of young adults with co-occurring disorders. Our guidance for each principle is followed by a review of the evidence supporting that principle, as well as practice considerations for implementation. More research among young adults is critical to identify effective treatments and service systems for those with co-occurring disorders.

Peer delivery of a brief cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment delivery by peer specialist providers could increase access to and engagement with PTSD treatment in low resource settings. The current pilot study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of a peer-delivered, brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD.

METHOD

Four certified peer specialists delivered the intervention to 18 participants with probable PTSD. We assessed PTSD symptoms weekly and administered surveys and interviews at baseline and posttreatment.

RESULTS

Our mixed-methods approach suggests that the intervention was feasible and acceptable, demonstrating high client satisfaction. We also found significant improvements in PTSD, depressive, anxiety, and general stress symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer-delivered interventions may be a good fit for addressing posttraumatic stress symptoms for people accessing care in low resource settings. Future research should evaluate peer-delivered PTSD treatment as a strategy for both reducing symptoms and improving access and engagement in professional care.

Community-Based Implementation of a Paraprofessional-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Youth Involved with the Criminal Justice System

Psychosocial interventions for common emotional and behavioral difficulties have been developed for use in correctional facilities, yet these programs are largely unavailable upon community re-entry due to a shortage of trained mental health specialists. In this study, we developed and piloted a youth worker-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for young men at high risk for incarceration receiving services at a youth development organization. We formed a community-academic partnership to support the conduct of research across all phases of this project (2014-2016). We analyzed data gathered through focus groups and individual interviews with program staff, administrators, and young men. This study reports on implementation process and outcomes across phases. Main findings indicate the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of the youth worker-delivered CBT curriculum. We discuss strengths and limitations of our approach and provide suggestions for future studies that aim to implement paraprofessional-delivered CBT programs within community-based organizations.

Gender differences in exposure to potentially traumatic events and diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by racial and ethnic group

OBJECTIVE

There is a robust literature base documenting gender differences and racial/ethnic differences in exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the risk of PTEs and PTSD between genders, stratified by race/ethnicity. We aimed to better understand whether factors associated with poor psychological adjustment following PTEs (e.g., PTE type, sociodemographic factors, social support) varied by gender and race/ethnicity.

METHOD

Data were collected from three U.S.-based national studies comprising the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiologic Surveys (CPES; N = 13,649). Trained lay interviewers administered questionnaires and collected data on PTE exposure, PTSD, and psychosocial covariates. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate relations between PTEs, PTSD, and gender, stratified by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Adjusting for sociodemographic variables, mental health comorbidity, social support, and PTE frequency, White, African-American, and Afro-Caribbean women had higher odds of PTSD than men in their respective racial/ethnic groups, whereas gender differences were not observed for Latinos or Asians.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that risk of exposure to PTEs and PTSD may differ by gender and race/ethnicity. Future studies should consider the contributions of social, cultural, and contextual factors in estimating PTSD risk.

Provider fidelity and modifications to cognitive processing therapy in a diverse community health clinic: Associations with clinical change

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine associations between therapist adherence, competence, and modifications of an evidence-based protocol (EBP) delivered in routine clinical care and client outcomes.

METHOD

Data were derived from a NIMH-funded implementation-effectiveness hybrid study of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD in a diverse community health center. Providers (n = 19) treated clients (n = 58) as part of their routine clinical care. Clients completed the PCL-S and PHQ-9 at baseline, after each CPT session, and posttreatment. CPT sessions were rated for treatment fidelity and therapist modifications.

RESULTS

Overall, therapist adherence was high, although it decreased across sessions suggesting potential drift. Therapist competence ratings varied widely. Therapists made on average 1.6 fidelity-consistent and 0.4 fidelity-inconsistent modifications per session. Results show that higher numbers of fidelity-consistent modifications were associated with larger reductions in posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms. High adherence ratings were associated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms, whereas higher competence ratings were associated with greater reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the importance of differentially assessing therapist adherence, competence, and modifications to EBP in usual care settings. The findings also suggest that effective EBP delivery in routine care may require minor adaptations to meet client needs, consistent with previous studies. Greater attention to fidelity and adaptation can enhance training so providers can tailor while retaining core components of the intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Practical solutions for sustaining long-term academic-community partnerships

The science-practice gap in the treatment of mental health is most pronounced in community settings, where clients with the highest needs often receive their care. Implementation science and community-based participatory research strategies aim to effectively address this gap by establishing partnerships that focus on scientifically rigorous, as well as clinically and socially relevant, research. Despite significant benefits, the community-based participatory research implementation framework has a unique set of challenges. The current article describes evidence-supported implementation strategies that were deployed to address various barriers to the implementation and long-term sustainability of an innovative cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) life skills program identified during a feasibility trial. Through the committed work of an established partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization and researchers, barriers and the strategies for mitigating these obstacles were jointly identified. Specific challenges included fidelity (variability in staff's CBT competency and delivery), sustainability, and the cost of guideline implementation (data collection, time, and resources) of the CBT curriculum. We also provide details on the partnership's solutions to these major obstacles, including the development of an intensive 3-month training and coaching phase. The results of this rigorous training suggest improvement in staff's overall CBT competency and fidelity, increased participant engagement in the CBT curriculum, and enhanced data-collection procedures; yet, sustainability difficulties remained. General recommendations for long-term community research partnerships include early organizational buy-in; comprehensive needs assessments, including the organization's research building capacity; and sustained training and coaching models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

A systematic review of social stress and mental health among transgender and gender non-conforming people in the United States

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) populations, including those who do not identify with gender binary constructs (man or woman) are increasingly recognized in health care settings. Research on the health of TGNC people is growing, and disparities are often noted. In this review, we examine 77 studies published between January 1, 1997 and March 22, 2017 which reported mental health outcomes in TGNC populations to (a) characterize what is known about mental health outcomes and (b) describe what gaps persist in this literature. In general, depressive symptoms, suicidality, interpersonal trauma exposure, substance use disorders, anxiety, and general distress have been consistently elevated among TGNC adults. We also used the minority stress model as a framework for summarizing existing literature. While no studies included all elements of the Minority Stress Model, this summary gives an overview of which studies have looked at each element. Findings suggest that TGNC people are exposed to a variety of social stressors, including stigma, discrimination, and bias events that contribute to mental health problems. Social support, community connectedness, and effective coping strategies appear beneficial. We argue that routine collection of gender identity data could advance our understanding mental health risk and resilience factors among TGNC populations.

Syndemic Indicators Predict Poor Medication Adherence and Increased Health Care Utilization for Urban HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men

Research on men who have sex with men (MSM) has uncovered psychosocial factors (syndemic indicators) that are associated additively with poor health. To test these relations in a sample of HIV-positive MSM, we enrolled 166 patients from two HIV clinics. We investigated relations between syndemic indicators and outcomes including medication nonadherence, condomless anal sex (CAS), and healthcare utilization. A large proportion of participants reported each syndemic indicator: polysubstance use 43%, suicide attempt 28%, childhood sexual abuse 39%, partner abuse 64%. Analyses confirmed an additive effect, whereby endorsing 1+ indicator was associated with increased odds of medication nonadherence and medical hospitalization.

The association of posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic medical conditions by ethnicity

Our study extends the literature on associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic medical conditions by assessing differences in the magnitude of these relations by ethnicity. We examined group differences in the magnitude of the relation between PTSD and chronic medical conditions (cardiovascular disease [CVD], hypertension, obesity, diabetes). We obtained data from Latino (n = 3,224) and non-Latino white (n = 4,180) respondents from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys. Logistic regression models were constructed to test for the modification of the effect of PTSD on chronic medical conditions by ethnicity, and then by nativity. Unadjusted models revealed significant interactions between Latino ethnicity and PTSD for odds of diabetes (OR = 2.18 [Latino] v. 0.81 [non-Latino white]), CVD (OR = 3.23 [Latino] v. 1.28 [non-Latino white]), and hypertension (OR = 1.61 [Latino] v. 0.98 [non-Latino white]). Among U.S.-born Latinos, we found a significant interaction between ethnicity and PTSD for odds of CVD (OR = 4.18 [Latino] v. 1.28 [non-Latino white]) and diabetes (OR = 2.27 [Latino] v. 0.81 [non-Latino white]). These findings attenuated in adjusted models with the exception of differences in PTSD and odds of diabetes among Latinos (including aggregated group & U.S.-born) compared to non-Latino whites. Our findings support the need for further research on the complex relations between PTSD and chronic conditions, including the investigation of conditional risk by Latino sub-groups.

Partner Abuse Among HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men: "That Was All I Deserved . . ."

Living with HIV can be both a precipitant and a consequence of partner abuse (PA) across populations, including male-male partnerships. However, overlapping experiences of living with HIV and experiencing PA are not well characterized. We conducted 24 qualitative interviews with urban HIV-positive sexual minority men (SMM) recruited from a public hospital HIV clinic in Seattle, Washington, who reported lifetime PA histories, and analyzed them using content analysis. Participants reported psychological, physical, and sexual victimization from partners, varying in severity. Themes included (a) how HIV and minority stress (e.g., through self-stigma, serosorting) and (b) familial and repeated exposure to violence (e.g., through normalization or acceptance of PA, partnering as strategy for increasing one's own safety, esteem, or social status), independently and in combination, provided a context for the men's victimization. Our findings suggest that PA-related interventions might focus on coping with stigma, expanding social networks, and educating SMM about dysfunctional relationship dynamics.

Disparities in Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender/Gender Nonconforming and Sexual Minority Primary Care Patients

PURPOSE

We investigated the odds of intimate partner violence (IPV) among primary care patients across subgroups of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals relative to cisgender women, and cisgender sexual minority men and women relative to cisgender heterosexual men and women.

METHODS

Participants completed an IPV screener as part of routine primary care visits at an urban community health center (N = 7572). Electronic medical record data were pooled for all patients who received the IPV screener January 1 to December 31, 2014.

RESULTS

Overall, 3.6% of the sample reported experiencing physical or sexual IPV in the past year. Compared to cisgender women (past-year prevalence 2.7%), all TGNC subgroups reported elevated odds of physical or sexual IPV, including transgender women (past-year prevalence 12.1%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9-8.6), transgender men (6.6%; AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.6), gender non-binary individuals (8.2%, AOR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.7-5.4), and TGNC individuals who did not report their gender identity (9.1%; AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.2-6.3). The prevalence of isolation-related IPV and controlling behaviors was also high in some TGNC groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support that IPV is prevalent across genders and sexual orientations. Clinical guidelines for IPV screening should be expanded to include TGNC individuals and not just cisgender women. Future research could explore the complex patterns by which individuals of different genders are at increased risk for different types of IPV, and investigate the best ways to screen TGNC patients and support TGNC survivors.

Usual Course of Treatment and Predictors of Treatment Utilization for Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric illness that frequently remains undiagnosed and untreated. While extensive research has been conducted among veterans, little research has evaluated course of treatment for PTSD in a general hospital setting.

METHODS

We utilized data from the Partners HealthCare Research Patient Data Registry to evaluate mental health treatment utilization, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, by patients with recently diagnosed primary PTSD following DSM-IV criteria between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2011. We additionally evaluated predictors of treatment utilization 6 months postdiagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 2,475 patients with recently diagnosed primary PTSD, approximately half (55.7%) had any therapy visit and 10% had at least 12 therapy visits in the 6 months following diagnosis. Approximately half (47.0%) received a psychiatric prescription, with 29.3% receiving a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), 11.8% receiving an atypical antipsychotic, and 24.4% receiving a benzodiazepine. Latinos were 25% (95% CL = 1.09, 1.43) more likely to have an SSRI prescription, 35% (95% CL = 1.05, 1.75) more likely to have an atypical antipsychotic prescription, and 28% (95% CL = 1.19, 1.38) more likely to receive any psychotherapy. Women were 49% (95% CL = 0.42, 0.63) less likely to have an atypical antipsychotic prescription. Patients with Medicare were 23% (95% CL = 0.67, 0.88) less likely to have any psychotherapy, and patients with Medicaid were 35% (95% CL = 0.46, 0.92) less likely to have 12 or more therapy visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients with a primary diagnosis of PTSD do not receive psychotherapy, and psychiatric prescriptions, including atypical antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, are common. Future research is needed to determine the quality of care received and explore subpopulation-specific barriers limiting access to care.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Spanish-speaking Latinos: A Formative Study of a Model-Driven Cultural Adaptation of the Manual to Enhance Implementation in a Usual Care Setting

OBJECTIVE

As part of a larger implementation trial for cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a community health center, we used formative evaluation to assess relations between iterative cultural adaption (for Spanish-speaking clients) and implementation outcomes (appropriateness and acceptability) for CPT.

METHOD

Qualitative data for the current study were gathered through multiple sources (providers: N = 6; clients: N = 22), including CPT therapy sessions, provider fieldnotes, weekly consultation team meetings, and researcher fieldnotes. Findings from conventional and directed content analysis of the data informed refinements to the CPT manual.

RESULTS

Data-driven refinements included adaptations related to cultural context (i.e., language, regional variation in wording), urban context (e.g., crime/violence), and literacy level. Qualitative findings suggest improved appropriateness and acceptability of CPT for Spanish-speaking clients.

CONCLUSION

Our study reinforces the need for dual application of cultural adaptation and implementation science to address the PTSD treatment needs of Spanish-speaking clients.

Residential segregation and mental health among Latinos in a nationally representative survey

BACKGROUND

Among Latinos, living in a locality with greater Latino ethnic density may be protective for mental health, although findings vary by Latino subgroup, gender and birthplace. Although little studied, Latino residential segregation may capture different pathways linking risk and protective environmental factors to mental health than local ethnic density.

METHODS

This study evaluated the association between residential segregation and mental distress as measured by the Kessler-10 (K10) among Latino participants in the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). Census data from 2000 was used to calculate metropolitan statistical area (MSA) residential segregation using the dissimilarity and isolation indices, as well as census tract ethnicity density and poverty. Latino subgroup (Puerto Rican, Mexican American, Cuban American and other Latino subgroup), gender and generation status were evaluated as moderators.

RESULTS

Among 2554 Latino participants in NLAAS, residential segregation as measured by the isolation index was associated with less mental distress (β -0.14, 95% CI -0.26 to -0.03 log(K10)) among Latinos overall after adjustment for ethnic density, poverty and individual covariates. Residential segregation as measured by the dissimilarity index was significantly associated with less mental distress among men (β -0.56, 95% CI -1.04 to -0.08) but not among women (β -0.20, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.04, p-interaction=0.019). No modification was observed by Latino subgroup or generation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Latinos, increasing residential segregation was associated with less mental distress, and this association was moderated by gender. Findings suggest that MSA-level segregation measures may capture protective effects associated with living in Latino communities for mental health.

Association of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder in a nationally representative epidemiological sample

OBJECTIVE

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED) are associated with significant health impairment. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) comprise both psychological (disturbances in mood and affect) and physiological (bloating and changes in appetite) symptoms that may trigger binge-eating and/or purging.

METHOD

Female participants were drawn from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Surveys, conducted from 2001 to 2003. Weighted multivariable logistic regression modeled the association between lifetime PMS and PMDD and lifetime odds of BN or BED.

RESULTS

Among 8,694 participants, 133 (1.0%) had BN and 185 (1.8%) BED. Additionally, 366 (4.2%) had PMDD and 3,489 (42.4%) had PMS. Prevalence of PMDD and PMS were 17.4 and 55.4% among those with BN, 10.7 and 48.9% among those with BED and 3.4 and 59.1% among those with subthreshold BED. After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, income, education, body mass index, age at menarche, birth control use, and comorbid mental health conditions, PMDD was associated with seven times the odds of BN (OR 7.2, 95% CI 2.3, 22.4) and PMS with two times the odds of BN (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1, 5.7). Neither PMDD nor PMS were significantly associated with BED.

DISCUSSION

Women with PMS and PMDD have a higher odds of BN, independent of comorbid mental health conditions. PMS and PMDD may be important comorbidities to BN to consider in clinical settings, and future research should investigate whether PMS and PMDD affect the onset and duration of bulimic symptoms as well as the potential for shared risk factors across disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:641-650).

Providers' perspectives of factors influencing implementation of evidence-based treatments in a community mental health setting: A qualitative investigation of the training-practice gap

This study aims to elucidate relations between provider perceptions of aspects of the consolidated framework for implementation research (Damschroder et al., 2009) and provider attitudes toward the implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in an ethnically diverse community health setting. Guided by directed content analysis, we analyzed 28 semistructured interviews that were conducted with providers during the pre-implementation phase of a larger implementation study for cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (Resick et al., 2008). Our findings extend the existing literature by also presenting provider-identified client-level factors that contribute to providers' positive and negative attitudes toward EBTs. Provider-identified client-level factors include the following: client motivation to engage in treatment, client openness to EBTs, support networks of family and friends, client use of community and government resources, the connection and relationship with their therapist, client treatment adherence, client immediate needs or crises, low literacy or illiteracy, low levels of education, client cognitive limitations, and misconceptions about therapy. These results highlight the relations between provider perceptions of their clients, provider engagement in EBT training, and subsequent adoption of EBTs. We present suggestions for future implementation research in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record

Black-white disparities in the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic illness

OBJECTIVE

Non-Latino blacks experience a higher proportion of chronic illness and associated disabilities than non-Latino whites. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a greater risk of chronic illness, although few studies have investigated whether the interaction of PTSD with racial disparities may lead to a greater risk of chronic illness among blacks with PTSD than among whites with PTSD.

METHODS

We evaluated data from the population-based National Survey of American Life and the National Comorbidity Survey Replication to investigate the association between race, lifetime PTSD and self-reported chronic illness. Weighted linear and Poisson regression models assessed differences in the magnitude of association between PTSD and chronic illness by race on both the additive and multiplicative scales.

RESULTS

The magnitude of the association between lifetime PTSD and diabetes was greater among blacks (RD 0.07, 95% CI 0.02, 0.11; RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.5) than whites (RD 0.004, 95% CI -0.02, 0.03; RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7, 1.9) on the additive (p=0.017) scale. The magnitude of the association between lifetime PTSD and heart disease was greater among blacks (RD 0.09, 95% CI 0.05, 0.13) than whites (RD 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.07) on the additive scale at a level approaching significance (p=0.051).

CONCLUSION

A lifetime history of PTSD was associated with a significantly greater risk of diabetes among blacks as compared to whites. These findings suggest that continuous exposure to racial inequalities may be associated with a greater risk of PTSD-related health sequela.

PTSD and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: Cluster- and Symptom-Level Analyses

Previous studies have demonstrated bidirectional associations between posttraumatric stress disorder (PTSD) and romantic relationship dissatisfaction. Most of these studies were focused at the level of the disorder, examining the association between relationship dissatisfaction and having a diagnosis of PTSD or the total of PTSD symptoms endorsed. This disorder-level approach is problematic for trauma theorists who posit symptom-level mechanisms for these effects. In the present study, we examined the prospective, bidirectional associations between PTSD symptom clusters (e.g., reexperiencing) and relationship satisfaction using the data from 101 previously studied individuals who had had a recent motor vehicle accident. We also conducted exploratory analyses examining the prospective, bidirectional associations between individual PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction. Participants had completed the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version and the Relationship Assessment Scale at 4, 10, and 16 weeks after the MVA. We performed time-lagged mixed-effects regressions to examine the effect of lagged relationship satisfaction on PTSD clusters and symptoms, and vice versa. No cluster effects were significant after controlling for a false discovery rate. Relationship satisfaction predicted prospective decreases in reliving the trauma (d = 0.42), emotional numbness (d = 0.46), and irritability (d = 0.49). These findings were consistent with the position that relationship satisfaction affects PTSD through symptom-level mechanisms.

Longitudinal Study of Mental Health and Pain-Related Functioning Following a Motor Vehicle Collision

OBJECTIVE

Relations between mental and physical health symptoms are well-established in the literature on recovery following motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). To understand the temporal sequencing and evolution of these relations, we examined the bidirectional association between mental and physical health symptoms at 4 and 16 weeks following a MVC.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 103 participants recruited through public MVC police reports. The study included self-report assessments for posttraumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, bodily pain, and role limitations attributable to physical health. A series of multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between these mental and physical health outcomes.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that mental health symptoms at 4 weeks post-MVC were associated with higher bodily pain at 16 weeks post-MVC (PTSD symptoms: β = -0.74, 95% CI: -1.06, -0.42; depressive symptoms: β = -1.34, 95% CI: -1.90, -0.78), but not higher health-related role limitations. Physical health symptoms at 4 weeks post-MVC were not associated with PTSD or depressive symptoms at 16 weeks post-MVC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate the predictive strength of mental health symptoms at 4 weeks post-MVC in identifying individuals at risk for bodily pain at 16 weeks and shed light on the temporal sequencing of how relations between physical and mental health symptoms emerge over time. This suggests that early assessment of mental health symptoms may have significant implications for the treatment of these patients. (PsycINFO Database Record

Mental illness stigma and engagement in an implementation trial for Cognitive Processing Therapy at a diverse community health center: a qualitative investigation

The present study aimed to describe associations between various types of mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among ethnically diverse clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) served by an urban community health clinic. The present study draws qualitative data from a parent National Institute of Mental Health Study that aims to identify barriers and facilitators of implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. A total of 24 participants from the initial phase of the trial were included in the present study. Mental health stigma emerged as one notable barrier to seeking mental health treatment, as participants described how experiences of environment-level stigma, internalized (self-)stigma and perceived (felt) stigma from their family, friends and previous healthcare providers influenced their decisions to seek care. Despite these barriers to help seeking, many clients also reported that positive interactions with informal and formal support systems, and encouragement from study therapists, helped to combat mental health stigma and facilitate decisions to participate in an implementation trial for CPT. Findings suggest that providers in community health settings may need to attend directly to stigma at the initiation of mental health treatment.

Complexity of childhood sexual abuse: predictors of current post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, substance use, and sexual risk behavior among adult men who have sex with men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most at risk for HIV and represent the majority of new infections in the United States. Rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among MSM have been estimated as high as 46 %. CSA is associated with increased risk of HIV and greater likelihood of HIV sexual risk behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between CSA complexity indicators and mental health, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV sexual risk among MSM. MSM with CSA histories (n = 162) who were screened for an HIV prevention efficacy trial completed comprehensive psychosocial assessments. Five indicators of complex CSA experiences were created: CSA by family member, CSA with penetration, CSA with physical injury, CSA with intense fear, and first CSA in adolescence. Adjusted regression models were used to identify relationships between CSA complexity and outcomes. Participants reporting CSA by family member were at 2.6 odds of current alcohol use disorder (OR 2.64: CI 1.24-5.63), two times higher odds of substance use disorder (OR 2.1: CI 1.02-2.36), and 2.7 times higher odds of reporting an STI in the past year (OR 2.7: CI 1.04-7.1). CSA with penetration was associated with increased likelihood of current PTSD (OR 3.17: CI 1.56-6.43), recent HIV sexual risk behavior (OR 2.7: CI 1.16-6.36), and a greater number of casual sexual partners (p = 0.02). Both CSA with Physical Injury (OR 4.05: CI 1.9-8.7) and CSA with Intense Fear (OR 5.16: CI 2.5-10.7) were related to increased odds for current PTSD. First CSA in adolescence was related to increased odds of major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that CSA, with one or more complexities, creates patterns of vulnerabilities for MSM, including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, and sexual risk taking, and suggests the need for detailed assessment of CSA and the development of integrated HIV prevention programs that address mental health and substance use comorbidities.

Delivering cognitive processing therapy in a community health setting: The influence of Latino culture and community violence on posttraumatic cognitions

Despite the applicability of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to addressing sequelae of a range of traumatic events, few studies have evaluated whether the treatment itself is applicable across diverse populations. The present study examined differences and similarities among non-Latino, Latino Spanish-speaking, and Latino English-speaking clients in rigid beliefs-or "stuck points"-associated with PTSD symptoms in a sample of community mental health clients. We utilized the procedures of content analysis to analyze stuck point logs and impact statements of 29 participants enrolled in a larger implementation trial for CPT. Findings indicated that the content of stuck points was similar across Latino and non-Latino clients, although fewer total stuck points were identified for Latino clients compared to non-Latino clients. Given that identification of stuck points is central to implementing CPT, difficulty identifying stuck points could pose significant challenges for implementing CPT among Latino clients and warrants further examination. Thematic analysis of impact statements revealed the importance of family, religion, and the urban context (e.g., poverty, violence exposure) in understanding how clients organize beliefs and emotions associated with trauma. Clinical recommendations for implementing CPT in community settings and the identification of stuck points are provided.

Traumatic revictimization of men who have sex with men living with HIV/AIDS

Abuse in childhood has been established as a predictor of adult abuse, with the strongest associations found between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adult sexual victimization. Revictimization has been demonstrated among women, and there is a growing literature on revictimization experiences among men who have sex with men (MSM). No studies have assessed revictimization among MSM living with HIV, despite strong evidence for disproportionately high rates of life span abuse among this group, along with the added vulnerability of living with HIV and sexual minority stress. In this study, we contribute to the literature by exploring associations between multiple types of childhood and adult abuse experiences (physical, sexual, and psychological; perpetrated by partners and non-partner), rather than examining sexual victimization alone. A sample of 166 HIV-positive MSM attending primary HIV health care clinics in Seattle, Washington, completed a one-time questionnaire. Results of regression analyses revealed associations between experiencing CSA and adult sexual abuse, and experiencing childhood physical abuse and adult physical and sexual abuse. Childhood psychological abuse was associated with adult physical and psychological abuse and partner psychological abuse. At higher frequencies, childhood psychological abuse was associated with all forms of adult abuse. These findings suggest that various forms of childhood abuse experiences confer broad vulnerability to adult abuse experiences and point to potentially different pathways to revictimization based on childhood abuse type.

The unique challenges facing HIV-positive patients who smoke cigarettes: HIV viremia, ART adherence, engagement in HIV care, and concurrent substance use

Evidence suggests that smoking may have negative associations with HIV health outcomes. The smoking rate in our sample of people living with HIV (N = 333) was triple that of the general population (57 v. 19 %). Regression analyses revealed that (smokers v. non-smokers) reported lower medication adherence (unstandardized beta = 9.01) and were more likely to have a detectable viral load (OR = 2.85, 95 % CI [1.53-5.30]). Smokers attended fewer routine medical visits (β = -0.16) and were more likely to report recent hospitalization (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI [0.99, 3.57]). Smokers ranked "health" as less important to their quality of life (β = -0.13) and were more likely to report problematic alcohol (OR = 2.40, 95 % CI [1.35, 4.30]), cocaine (OR = 2.87, 95 % CI [1.48-5.58]), heroin (OR = 4.75, 95 % CI [1.01, 22.30]), or marijuana use (OR = 3.08, 95 % CI [1.76-5.38]). Findings underscore the need for integrated behavioral smoking cessation interventions and routine tobacco screenings in HIV primary care.

The use of dialectical behavior therapy skills training as stand-alone treatment: a systematic review of the treatment outcome literature

OBJECTIVE

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training is currently being administered as stand-alone treatment across a variety of clinical settings, serving diverse client populations. However, there is little empirical support for this use.

METHOD

In this systematic review, we identified 17 trials employing a treatment that included DBT skills training in the absence of the other DBT modalities.

RESULTS

While the literature reviewed provides preliminary evidence of the utility of DBT skills training to address a range of mental health and behavioral problems, methodological limitations of published studies preclude us from drawing strong conclusions about the efficacy of skills training as a stand-alone treatment.

CONCLUSION

We present an overview of the implementation of DBT skills training across clinical settings and populations. We found preliminary evidence supporting the use of DBT skills training as a method of addressing a range of behaviors. We provide recommendations for future research.

Sometimes you just have to have a lot of bitter to make it sweet: Substance abuse and partner abuse in the lives of HIV+ men who have sex with men

Although links between partner abuse (PA) and substance abuse (SA) are well-documented in the literature, we know less about these relations among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted a qualitative study with this group (N = 28). Participants reported (1) social modeling of SA in childhood and in adult social networks, (2) initial use of substance to cope with child abuse and neglect, and (3) the reinforcement of problematic SA by experiences of PA, whereby SA led to PA, resulting in increased SA. Recommendations for clinicians working with HIV+ MSM are discussed.

Compensatory weight control behaviors of women in emerging adulthood: associations between childhood abuse experiences and adult relationship avoidance

OBJECTIVE

To examine correlates of compensatory weight control behaviors among women in transition between adolescence and adulthood.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors recruited a sample of undergraduate women (N = 759) at a large northwestern university during the 2009-2010 academic year.

METHODS

Logistic regression was used to assess relations among childhood abuse, psychosocial functioning, adult dating relationship factors, and women's endorsement of compensatory weight control behaviors.

RESULTS

The final model reliably distinguished between participants who endorsed versus denied use of compensatory behaviors (χ(2)[5, N = 747] = 36.37, p < .001), with global psychosocial functioning and relationship avoidance accounting for the most variance.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illustrate the importance of considering childhood abuse histories and adult relationships while assessing young women's compensatory weight control behaviors.

Finding meaning after same-sex partner abuse: a content analysis of experiences of men with HIV

Given the high rates of partner abuse (PA) among sexual minority men with HIV, it is surprising that this phenomenon remains largely understudied in this group. The extant literature reveals little about the lived experiences of the men who experience abuse in their primary relationships. Furthermore, the role of meaning making in recovery from PA remains unclear for any demographic group. Knowledge of such appraisals may provide insight into the ways that sexual minority men with HIV understand or assign value to their abuse experiences. Here, we aim to qualitatively explore the ways in which such men (N = 28) find meaning following their experiences of PA. In general, most men reported a sense of personal strength from having endured and survived PA. Surprisingly, the men did not link their postabuse recovery experiences to their sexual minority identity nor to their HIV status. Some men mentioned an increased sense of agency and attention to their own needs in their postabuse lives. With the exception of positive relationships with providers, the men described little use of peer or family support and ongoing social isolation.

Investigating partner abuse among HIV-positive men who have sex with men

High rates of partner abuse (PA) of all types-physical, sexual, and psychological-have been identified in studies of HIV-positive individuals. We examined both the prevalence and correlates of same-sex PA in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants recruited from public outpatient HIV clinics (N = 168) completed CASI surveys about PA and current physical and mental health. Electronic medical record data were obtained for HIV biomarkers. Results indicate high rates of past year PA (physical, 19%; sexual, 17%; psychological, 51%; any, 54%), with rates comparable to, or higher than, those reported in recent studies of HIV-positive women and older studies of HIV-positive MSM. Overall, participants endorsing past year PA reported poorer mental but not physical health. Participants who endorsed past year physical PA, specifically, reported the largest number of mental health problems. HIV care providers should routinely assess PA, especially physical PA, in all MSM patients.