Design, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Cross-Cultural HIV-Related Mental Health and Psychosocial Assistance Programs: A User’s Manual for Researchers and Program Implementers (Adult Version)

The manual is an adaptation of the original version, which was supported by the Victims of Torture Program at USAID, and has been expanded to focus on research on psychosocial and mental health problems related to HIV. The manual is divided into several sections, including an introduction to the DIME model, methodology, and intervention selection, adaptation, and implementation. The DIME model is a framework for designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating cross-cultural HIV-related mental health and psychosocial assistance programs. The methodology section of the manual outlines the steps involved in selecting, adapting, and implementing interventions. This includes drawing conclusions from qualitative data, conducting a literature review, selecting possible interventions, understanding intervention options, and making a decision. The section also covers feasibility considerations, including getting buy-in from key stakeholders, understanding current services, and identifying required resources. The manual also discusses the importance of identifying and training counselors and supervisors, setting up monitoring systems, and implementing programs. The section on implementation covers case assignment, treatment, vicarious trauma and counselor self-care, and troubleshooting. The manual includes references to evidence-based practices, such as behavioral activation, prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, common elements treatment approach, and motivational interviewing. These practices are examples of evidenced-based interventions that can be used in cross-cultural HIV-related mental health and psychosocial assistance programs. The DIME model is a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating cross-cultural HIV-related mental health and psychosocial assistance programs. The manual provides a detailed guide for researchers and program implementers on how to select, adapt, and implement interventions, as well as how to set up monitoring systems and implement programs. The manual is intended for use in a variety of settings, including refugee and disaster response situations, and is designed to be adaptable to different cultural contexts. The DIME model is a valuable resource for anyone working in the field of cross-cultural HIV-related mental health and psychosocial assistance programs. The manual is supported by the USAID | Project SEARCH, Task Order No. 2, and is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Contract No. GHH-I-00-07-00032-00, beginning September 30, 2008, and supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The Research to Prevention (R2P) Project is led by the Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health and managed by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs (CCP).