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Comparing Fidelity Outcomes of Paraprofessional and Professional Delivery of a Perinatal Depression Preventive
Alicia Diebold1, Jody D Ciolino2, Jessica K Johnson3
1Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 643, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. alicia.diebold@northwestern.edu.
Abstract:
Mothers and Babies (MB), a perinatal depression preventive intervention, has proven effective in decreasing depressive symptoms and preventing onset of major depression. An ongoing cluster-randomized trial is comparing the effectiveness of the six-session MB group intervention led by paraprofessionals versus mental health professionals. Twenty percent of all audio-recorded intervention sessions were randomly selected for fidelity checks. Analyses assessed mean facilitator adherence and competency overall, by study arm, and by session; and, examined site, facilitator, and client-specific effects. There were no significant differences found between study arms. Findings show paraprofessionals can deliver MB with similar fidelity as mental health professionals.
