Reclaiming our spirits: Development and pilot testing of a health promotion intervention for indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence

Authors

Colleen Varcoe, The University of British Columbia
Annette J. Browne, The University of British Columbia
Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, Western UniversityFollow
Madeleine Dion Stout, The University of British Columbia
Holly McKenzie, The University of British Columbia
Roberta Price, The University of British Columbia
Victoria Bungay, The University of British Columbia
Victoria Smye, Western University
Jane Inyallie, Central Interior Native Health Society
Linda Day, Aboriginal Mother Center Society
Koushambhi Khan, The University of British Columbia
Angela Heino, The University of British Columbia
Marilyn Merritt-Gray, The University of British Columbia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2017

Journal

Research in Nursing and Health

Volume

40

Issue

3

First Page

237

Last Page

254

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1002/nur.21795

Abstract

Indigenous women are subjected to high rates of multiple forms of violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV), in the context of ongoing colonization and neo-colonization. Health promotion interventions for women who experience violence have not been tailored specifically for Indigenous women. Reclaiming Our Spirits (ROS) is a health promotion intervention designed for Indigenous women living in an urban context in Canada. In this paper, we describe the development of the intervention, results of a pilot study, and the revised subsequent intervention. Building on a theory-based health promotion intervention (iHEAL) showing promising results in feasibility studies, ROS was developed using a series of related approaches including (a) guidance from Indigenous women with research expertise specific to IPV and Indigenous women’s experiences; (b) articulation of an Indigenous lens, including using Cree (one of the largest Indigenous language groups in North America) concepts to identify key aspects; and (c) interviews with Elders (n10) living in the study setting. Offered over 6-8 months, ROS consists of a Circle, led by an Indigenous Elder, and 1:1 visits with a Registered Nurse, focused on six areas for health promotion derived from previous research. Pilot testing with Indigenous women (n21) produced signs of improvement in most measures of health from pre- to post-intervention. Women found the pilot intervention acceptable and helpful but also offered valuable suggestions for improvement. A revised intervention, with greater structure within the Circle and nurses with stronger knowledge of Indigenous women’s experience and community health, is currently undergoing testing.