WIP 65 - A Pilot Test of Provider and Interpreter Trainings to Address Inequities in Depression Treatment among Latino/a/e Adolescents: A Community-Academic Partnership in Durham, NC

Publication Number: WIP 65.7552

Lucy Cummins, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Milani Patel, Lincoln Community Health Center, Durham, NC, United States; Ivana Premasinghe, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Carmen Rauh Garrido, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Allison M. Stafford, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, United States

Background: Despite experiencing a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, Latino/a/e adolescents in the U.S. are less likely to receive treatment for depression than their non-Latino/a/e peers. Healthcare system-level barriers, such as a lack of a bilingual and bicultural workforce, are some of the most significant contributors to this inequity. Interpreters can help address this gap; however, providers often lack training in how to best facilitate communication using an interpreter. Similarly, interpreters often do not receive extensive training in mental health interpretation. System-level interventions are needed to facilitate therapeutic conversations with Spanish-speaking families to increase depression treatment uptake among Latino/a/e adolescents.

Objective: The purpose of our study is to describe the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a series of trainings for pediatric primary care, behavioral health, and interpreting staff at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) which serves a majority Spanish-speaking immigrant population.

Design/Methods: This study was approved by the Duke University Health System IRB (Pro00115041). Building on a multi-year partnership between Duke University School of Nursing and a local FQHC, we developed training modules in collaboration with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association. Pediatric and behavioral health providers and interpreters at the FQHC were invited to complete four modules and a live session that addressed: 1) best practices in working with interpreters; 2) language and cultural considerations of mental health in Spanish-speaking families; and 3) mental health terminology and cultural concepts of distress. We are assessing implementation outcomes via qualitative interviews and surveys with providers and interpreters. We are also conducting a pre/post-intervention retrospective chart review to assess the trainings’ impact on depression treatment outcomes among adolescents in Spanish-speaking families. All data analysis will be complete by February 2025.