Community mental health for migrant women in Barcelona (“Self-Care Among Women”): Protocol for a mixed-methods process evaluation of a pilot psychological intervention

• Published in: SSM - mental health 2024-12, Vol.6, p.100367, Article 100367
• Main Authors: Cuxart-Graell, Alba, Pampiri, Liv Mathilde, Sainz-Elías, Helena, Butt, Fajar Matloob Ahmed, Moussaoui Rahhab, Wafae, de Gracia Alcaide, Irene, Monter Alavedra, Isabel, Cisneros Pinet, Carla, Marti-Soler, Helena, Marti-Castaner, Maria, Giménez, Laura, Osorio Lopez, Yolanda, Requena-Méndez, Ana, Cristóbal-Narváez, Paula, Evangelidou, Stella
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Community mental health; Migrant women; Process evaluation; Psychological intervention
• ISSN: 2666-5603; 2666-5603
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2024.100367

Migrant populations, especially women, are often more susceptible to poor mental health and they face healthcare access barriers. This study aims to develop and evaluate a community-based mental health intervention through a participative research process to promote mental health and prevent psychiatric disorders among migrant women in Barcelona city. The intervention is built upon two evidence-based guidelines: Group Problem Management Plus (Group PM+) and Self-Help Plus (SH+). “Self-Care Among Women” is a mixed-methods process evaluation study for the development of a community-based psychological pilot intervention. A participatory approach will be employed to adapt the content agenda of the community mental health intervention. Process indicators on context, implementation and mechanisms of change will be assessed through an intersectionality lens to explore the way in which the intervention is developed and implemented. The contextual fit, acceptability and feasibility of the proposed psychological intervention will be examined through participants' and facilitators' perceptions of the intervention. Further, women's clinical mental health condition and wellbeing will be assessed before and after the intervention, through standardized and culturally-validated instruments. Ethical approval of the research protocol has been obtained by the Research Ethics Committees of Hospital Clínic, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol) and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu. Written informed consent will be requested from all research participants for inclusion in the study. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and communicated to congresses. •The study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of a community-based mental health intervention for migrant women.•Migration is increasingly feminized and gender represents an intersecting factor of migration shaping health inequalities.•The intervention embraces the paradigm shift toward the expansion of mental health services beyond the primary care setting.