4 - (SYM 98) Impact of a Brief Training on Mental Health Stakeholders' Implementation of Evidence- based Strategies for Trauma in the Caribbean Within the Context of COVID-19

Objective: Lack of governmental funding/infrastructure for mental health has created urgent need for effective training in evidence-based treatments for trauma in the Caribbean for under-resourced providers, particularly those who serve marginalized communities within this global setting. Further, impacts of the COVID health crisis on providers’ implementation of skills in this region are currently unknown.

Method: We examined impacts of a one-day training workshop for stakeholders in the Caribbean who serve female and LGBTQIA+ trauma survivors, which provided psychoeducation on trauma and PTSD and training in short-term interventions. Participants (n=46) were surveyed at pre-and post-workshop, and at 3- months and 6-months follow-up (which coincided with the first 6 months of the COVID- 19 pandemic) to assess retention of any changes in perceived knowledge about trauma/effective treatments, and subsequent skill implementation.

Results: Participants reported significant pre-post workshop increases in perceived knowledge (pre M = 31.61, post M = 44.63) about trauma and its effective treatments (t(45) = -6.17, p < .001). This perceived knowledge was significantly maintained over time (3M M = 42.66, 6M M = 40.75). Further, participants reported significant use of several of the strategies taught at the workshop at follow-up. Higher reported emotional distress related to the pandemic was associated with lower implementation at 6M, despite significant retention in perceived knowledge from the workshop (B = -0.02, β = - 1.55, p < .05).

Conclusions: Brief trauma-focused trainings can be helpful for providers who serve marginalized sexual and gender minority communities in under-resourced global settings, with observable impact on implementation practices over time. However, providers’ emotional distress stemming from public health crises can influence practice behaviors. Subsequent impacts on policy/budget allocations are discussed.