Evaluation of a group intervention for people with HIV, substance use and trauma

Date
2011
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Abstract
This mixed method study evaluated the utility and perceived impact of a twelve week trauma and substance-use group intervention for people who have HIV and histories of substance abuse, and who are considered at risk for poor psychosocial and health outcomes. Administration of a psychometric measure, the Detailed Assessment of Post traumatic Stress (DAPS) was conducted to pre group (n=25) and post group (n=7) participants to determine traumatic symptomatology levels. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants post group (n=7). Findings demonstrated that a group for people with HIV which provides concurrent treatment for trauma and substance use, utilizing cognitive-behavioural, case management and interpersonal strategies, shows promise for its ability to serve as a catalyst for moving participants into contemplation and action toward decreased substance abuse and increased medication adherence. It may also provide an increased sense of agency in key areas of psychosocial functioning. The mechanisms behind positive and negative feedback loops that function as triggers and re­enactments to traumatic stress and substance use were explored as useful clinical tools. Short-term, clinical interventions should be seen as part of a more holistic, trauma­focused, ongoing treatment plan for those patients that have complex posttraumatic stress diagnoses.
Description
Bibliography: p. 118-130.
Includes copy of Ethics Review form. Original with original copy of Partial copyright Licence.
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Citation
MacGregor, J. (2011). Evaluation of a group intervention for people with HIV, substance use and trauma (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/3760
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