Factors impacting attrition of vulnerable women from a longitudinal mental health intervention study.

Abstract

This study explored factors associated with attrition of vulnerable women from a community-based, longitudinal mental health intervention study. The study employed a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent comparison group pretest-posttest design. The intervention consisted of six, 90-min meetings featuring education and support. One hundred and eighteen women aged 18-88years enrolled from four urban neighborhoods. The team used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Primary Health Questionnaire-9, a self-care knowledge for anxiety and depression instrument, and demographics to measure variables. Sessions occurred at trusted neighborhood sites. The team provided transportation, child care, and reminder calls or texts. Community health workers actively encouraged participants to continue in the study. The researchers did not offer financial incentives. Completion of the intervention involved attending four of six sessions. The study had a 39% attrition rate. Results, using a Chi-square test for independence, indicated significant associations between attrition, neighborhood/homelessness, and family income. Additionally, there were significant associations between attrition, a past diagnosis of anxiety, and a lack of concurrent therapy for anxiety/depression. This study identified social determinants and mental health factors linked to the attrition of urban, ethnically diverse, and impoverished women from longitudinal intervention studies.