Spruill TM, Friedman D, Diaz L, Butler MJ, Goldfeld KS, O’Kula S, Montesdeoca J, Payano L, Shallcross AJ, Kaur K, Tau M, Vazquez B, Jongeling A, Ogedegbe G, Devinsky O. (2021). Telephone-based depression self-management in Hispanic adults with epilepsy: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 11(7), 1451–1460. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibab045
Project UPLIFT, a telephone-based depression self-management program, was developed for Hispanic adults with epilepsy. A study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of culturally adapted UPLIFT for the Hispanic community. Hispanic patients with elevated depressive symptoms were recruited from epilepsy clinics in New York City and randomly assigned to UPLIFT or usual care (i.e., receiving educational materials on epilepsy self-management). UPLIFT was delivered in English or Spanish to small groups in eight weekly telephone sessions. The researchers measured feasibility through recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. Accessibility was assessed through self-reported satisfaction questionnaires. Recruitment (76% consent rate) and retention rates (86-93%) were high at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months follow-ups. Satisfaction ratings among 96% of UPLIFT participants were “mostly or very satisfied”, but rates of long-term use at 12 months post-intervention were low. Rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score of 5 and over) were lower in the UPLIFT arm compared to the usual care arm at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The findings suggested that UPLIFT is feasible and acceptable among Hispanic adults with epilepsy and is effective for lowering depression scores.