University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
Abstract
Cultural competence trainings are cited as improving providers’ interactions with culturally
diverse clients. Yet, little is known about the methodological rigor of such studies. To date, a
systematic review of the effectiveness of cultural competence trainings by target population,
intervention duration, and intervention intensity has not been conducted. An electronic
systematic search was conducted to identify recent empirical evaluations of cultural competence
trainings. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were critically appraised using the
Methodological Quality Rating Scale and the Outcome Attainment Index. Thirteen studies were
included. Trainings targeting professionals were more rigorous than those targeting students.
Accounting for methodological rigor, trainings targeting professionals, those longer in duration,
and of higher intensity, achieved higher outcome attainment indices. Given the lack of rigor
among these studies, it is difficult to assess their overall effectiveness. Considering the evergrowing
diversification of this county, cultural competence trainings need to be both effective
and rigorous
