Abstract
This qualitative study examines help-seeking pathways to depression care of low-income Latinos with diabetes and major depression.
A purposive sample (N = 19) of Spanish-speaking, immigrant, low-income Latinos was selected from a randomized clinical trial
targeting Latinos with diabetes and major depression. Four focus groups followed by 10 in-depth qualitative interviews were
conducted. Narratives were analyzed using the constant comparative method informed by grounded theory. Need for formal care
was described in relation to acute somatic symptoms, functional impairment, and mood changes. Treatment initiation occurred
through family members and primary care physicians who encouraged or inhibited help-seeking. Adherence to depression care
focused on interpersonal aspects of care, evaluated symptom relief, and improved functioning. Help-seeking barriers included
self-reliance, language barriers, stigma, competing health demands, and structural barriers. Findings from this study highlight
potential points of intervention for developing culturally-appropriate collaborative care approaches for low-income Latinos
with diabetes and major depression.
A purposive sample (N = 19) of Spanish-speaking, immigrant, low-income Latinos was selected from a randomized clinical trial
targeting Latinos with diabetes and major depression. Four focus groups followed by 10 in-depth qualitative interviews were
conducted. Narratives were analyzed using the constant comparative method informed by grounded theory. Need for formal care
was described in relation to acute somatic symptoms, functional impairment, and mood changes. Treatment initiation occurred
through family members and primary care physicians who encouraged or inhibited help-seeking. Adherence to depression care
focused on interpersonal aspects of care, evaluated symptom relief, and improved functioning. Help-seeking barriers included
self-reliance, language barriers, stigma, competing health demands, and structural barriers. Findings from this study highlight
potential points of intervention for developing culturally-appropriate collaborative care approaches for low-income Latinos
with diabetes and major depression.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9590-x
- Authors
- Marissa C. Hansen, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
- Leopoldo J. Cabassa, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Rm. 1715 Unit 11, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912