Citation

Varcoe C, Browne AJ, Ford-Gilboe M, Dion Stout M, McKenzie H, Price R, Bungay V, Smye V, Inyallie J, Day L, Khan K, Heino A, Merritt-Gray M. Res. Nurs. Health 2017; 40(3): 237-254.

Affiliation

Professor, University of New Brunswick Faculty of Nursing, Fredericton, NB, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/nur.21795

PMID

28431458

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 (n = 10) 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 (n = 21) 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. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

abuse; nursing interventions; violence; visitation