YO SOY PAZ (I AM PEACE): PILOT STUDY OF A TRAUMA-INFORMED, COMMUNITY AND MINDFULNESS-BASED PROGRAM FOR LATINO IMMIGRANTS IN MARYLAND.

Abstract

Background: One in three Latinos in the US is an immigrant. Immigrants face particular stressors that are heightened by previous traumatic experiences before, during, and after migration. Latino populations report the highest level of stress of all racial/ethnic groups in the US and the second-highest prevalence of mental health illness. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have shown to be successful at reducing stress and strengthening mental health in diverse populations, yet little is known about the effects of these interventions on this particular population.Methods: The pilot study tested the Yo Soy Paz (I am Peace) online synchronous program, an evidence and trauma-informed mindfulness-based intervention that was adapted for immigrant Latina mothers and the community staff members that work with them in a community setting. The eight session pilot intervention was delivered to three cohorts for a total of 41 participants, including staff and parents of youth receiving services at a local community-based organization that serves Latino immigrants. The study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity of the Yo Soy Paz online program. The study also examined the initial effects of the program on stress, mindfulness, mind-body connection, and subjective well-being. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through self-reported pre-post questionnaire, fidelity checklists, and focus groups with parents and staff. Results: Acceptability, feasibility, fidelity and appropriateness scored high on the quantitative measures. Inner compatibility with the organization’s mission and vision, clients’ needs and the organization’s receptivity to implement the intervention scored in the medium range. Mothers’ and promotoras’ self-reported mean scores for subjective wellbeing and perceived physical and mental health increased significantly from baseline- to post-test. No significant changes were observed in surveys completed by the staff, even though focus group participants reported meaningful improvement. Discussion: Overall the pilot feasibility study was well received and relevant for the organization and the population they serve. MBIs for Latino immigrants and the staff that works with them have the potential to improve well-being and overall mental and physical health. The study’s findings provide guidance to others in implementing online mindfulness practices with Latino immigrants and the staff that works with them.