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Reclaiming our spirits: Development and pilot testing of a health promotion intervention for indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence
Research in Nursing and Health
  • Colleen Varcoe, The University of British Columbia
  • Annette J. Browne, The University of British Columbia
  • Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, Western University
  • 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
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.

Citation Information
Colleen Varcoe, Annette J. Browne, Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, Madeleine Dion Stout, et al.. "Reclaiming our spirits: Development and pilot testing of a health promotion intervention for indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence" Research in Nursing and Health Vol. 40 Iss. 3 (2017) p. 237 - 254
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marilyn-ford-gilboe/30/