IMPACT Study

 Principal Investigator

Jane Liebschutz, MD, MPH

 Key Personnel

Thea James, MD

Brett Litz, PhD

Lauren Conoscenti, PhD

Grant Abstract

Traumatic experiences such as gun shot and stab wounds may lead to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD – alcohol, drugs, and prescription drugs). Studies have also shown that victims of interpersonal violence rarely seek mental and physical health treatment.  This study was meant to lay the groundwork for such an intervention to improve mental health outcomes, functional outcomes and substance abuse for male victims of stabbing and shooting. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted among victims of stabbing or shooting to gain insight into needs for mental health, substance abuse and primary care treatment in the aftermath of trauma. The grounded theory method was used for analyzing transcripts of the focus groups, and to help inform the second phase of the project; a pilot behavioral intervention known as the Healthcare Program.

 Publications

Schwartz SL, Hoyte J, James T, Conoscenti L, Johnson RM, Liebschutz JM. Challenges to engaging black male victims of community violence in healthcare research. Psychol Trauma. 2010 Mar 1;2(1):54-62. PMCID: PMC2880473