Modification of an observational tool to evaluate how community health workers engage low-income latino parents in parent-child interaction therapy

Background

Caregiver engagement in behavioral parent training (BPT) interventions can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes and retention. Yet, low-income families of color often experience low rates of engagement in treatment due to structural and sociocultural barriers. BPT models partnering with community health workers (CHWs) have shown promise in addressing these barriers and increasing treatment engagement. The current study examines the engagement strategies utilized by CHWs when providing support to families receiving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT + CHW) by identifying common CHW engagement strategies utilized in treatment (e.g., active listening, psychoeducation) and how they influence components of engagement (e.g., alliance, attendance).