Barriers to Depression Treatment Among Low-Income, Latino Emergency Department Patients
Low-income and Latinos use the emergency department (ED) as a primary source of care. Also, the depression prevalence in ED patients is high, making the ED a compelling venue for depression screening and intervention. This study examined barriers and facilitators to depression treatment among low-in...
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Published in | Community mental health journal Vol. 49; no. 4; pp. 412 - 418 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Boston
Springer US
01.08.2013
Springer Nature B.V |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Low-income and Latinos use the emergency department (ED) as a primary source of care. Also, the depression prevalence in ED patients is high, making the ED a compelling venue for depression screening and intervention. This study examined barriers and facilitators to depression treatment among low-income, predominantly Latino ED patients. We conducted telephone interviews with 24 ED patients (18–62 years of age, 79 % female) who dropped out of a depression treatment intervention. Using grounded theory, we analyzed perceptions of depression and treatment, and barriers and facilitators to mental health treatment. Although most patients acknowledged signs of depression, there was a lack of readiness to seek help. Patients reported negative perceptions about anti-depressant medication, even if they had no previous use. Barriers to treatment included transportation concerns, employment/unemployment, patient-provider issues, and immigrant documentation. Identified facilitators included consistent provider advice and “talking.” This study introduced new misunderstanding and miscommunication barriers. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0010-3853 1573-2789 |
DOI: | 10.1007/s10597-012-9547-5 |