Qualitative Examination of African American Women's Perspectives about Depression

Authors

  • K. B. Holden Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
  • A. S. Belton Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute
  • S. P. Hall Georgia State University Department of Sociology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/hcs.2015.182

Keywords:

African American Women, Depression, Focus Groups, Mental Health

Abstract

Gaining greater understanding about the various psychosocial, socio-cultural, and environmental factors that may influence experiences of depression among African American women (AAW) helps elucidate how this mental illness impacts the lives of this population. Sixty-three adult AAW comprised the study’s convenience sample.  Specifically, focus group cohorts inclusive of women from an academic institution, a primary healthcare clinic, and an urban community setting were conducted.  Results indicated six (6) dominant common themes as issues that may increase risk for depression among diverse AAW.  Similarities and differences about perspectives that contributed to depression were delineated among the three cohorts of AAW.  These results are important for mental/behavioral health researchers, practitioners, and public health professionals that are engaged in the design and implementation of culturally centered and gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies targeted to AAW at risk for depression.

 

 

Author Biographies

K. B. Holden, Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science

Kisha B. Holden, PhD, MSCR is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; and Deputy Director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), under the direction of David Satcher, MD, PhD, former MSM President and 16th U.S. Surgeon General.

A. S. Belton, Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute

Allyson S. Belton, MPH is a Senior Research Assistant in the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

S. P. Hall, Georgia State University Department of Sociology

Stephanie P. Hall, MPH is a doctoral student within the Department of Sociology at Georgia State University.

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Published

2015-07-22

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2015): Integration, Participation and Identity: Understanding Diversity

Section

Articles

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