4 - (SYM 9) Group Member Fidelity and Engagement Among Latinx Youth in a School Based Intervention for Depression

Depression among youth is highly prevalent and depressive disorders nearly double during adolescence (Merikangas et al., 2010). Latinx children and adolescents report higher risk of depression compared to youth from other ethnic groups (Polo et al., 2023). Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for youth depression, trials have not included ethnically diverse youth (Polo et al., 2019). Additionally, evidence-based programs rarely assess program fidelity through client perspectives. This study aims to connect various aspects of program fidelity (e.g., content coverage, interpersonal/relational skills) to program engagement among a sample of Latinx youth with depression receiving Act & Adapt, a school-based coping skills group being delivered for the first-time by usual care providers (social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists) across 61 public schools in Chicago. Data were collected from 3 academic years (2021-2024) from 365 4^th through 8^th grade youth, the majority of whom were of Latinx backgrounds. Act & Adapt was co-delivered by two therapists and groups typically included 5-6 group members. Fidelity surveys were completed halfway through the intervention. Measures included the Group Fidelity and Engagement Survey – Group Member (Polo et al., 2020), which is comprised of 22 items such as “I am learning skills that can help me with my problems” and “I feel comfortable participating in group” each rated by students using a 4-point scale from 0 (very false) to 3 (very true). The measure includes items on Session Content (α = .81), Effective Strategies (α =. 75) and Building Connections (α = .72). After completing the program, group members rated their satisfaction across 6 items on Program Components (α = .85)(e.g., “the discussions with other group members”) and 9 items on Effectiveness and Relevance (α = .82) (e.g., “I would recommend this program to others”). Across groups/schools, group member attendance ranged from 52-100% and practice assignment (assigned weekly) completion ranged from 4% to 100%. Differences in fidelity and engagement between Latinx and non-Latinx group members will be explored. Additionally, analyses will determine which components of fidelity predict consumer satisfaction and engagement, as measured by attendance and homework completion among Latinx group members. This study contributes to understanding key elements for the effective dissemination of evidence-based programs for depression delivered to Latinx early adolescents in usual-care school settings.