Abstracts

Rationale: Depression commonly co-occurs in people with epilepsy. Preventing and treating depression in people with epilepsy may contribute to improved quality of life and treatment outcomes. Project UPLIFT, an innovative, distance-delivered, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program has reduced depressive symptoms among people with epilepsy. The program consists of eight one-hour sessions that include time for teaching participants about epilepsy, depression, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness along with group activities and discussion. Participants also practice the new skills on their own in between sessions. In previous UPLIFT trials, African Americans with epilepsy have been under-represented. To ensure the program is culturally appropriate for African Americans with epilepsy, focus groups were conducted to identify what, if any, changes were needed to Project UPLIFT. Methods: Participants were recruited from outpatient epilepsy clinics and word-of-mouth. Four focus groups of African Americans with epilepsy and two focus groups with support persons to African Americans with epilepsy were conducted in-person or via conference call. Using a semi-structured focus group guide, participants were asked questions related to perceptions of epilepsy and epilepsy stigma, self-management behaviors, and perceptions of Project UPLIFT. Participants received Project UPLIFT materials prior to the focus group discussion. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the cultural appropriateness and acceptability of Project UPLIFT for African Americans with epilepsy. Results: The four focus groups with people with epilepsy included 22 people (aged 20 - 83, mean 43 years). The two focus groups with support persons to African Americans with epilepsy included 13 people (aged 45 - 66, mean 57 years). Overall, participants found the components of Project UPLIFT culturally appropriate and did not recommend changes to the program. People with epilepsy said that the program resonated with their experiences. They thought that the program would be effective and something that they would want to participate in. Both people with epilepsy and support persons indicated that they would try the UPLIFT exercises on their own too. Some also expressed previous experiences trying similar activities. Conclusions: Project UPLIFT, as designed for previous trials, appears to be culturally appropriate for and acceptable to African Americans with epilepsy. This population has been under-represented in previous research, but indicated interest in the program. Based on these results, Project UPLIFT will be tested among African Americans with epilepsy to determine its effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms in this population. Reducing the incidence of depression among African Americans with epilepsy could significantly improve quality of life. Funding: This study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grant #U48DP005042.