Women's help-seeking patterns for depression

    Authors

    M. P. Van Hook

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Soc. Work Health Care

    Keywords

    women's health; depression; violence; primary care; Black women; Latino; women; PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS; IMMIGRANT MEXICAN WOMEN; MAJOR DEPRESSION; AFRICAN-AMERICANS; UNITED-STATES; SYMPTOMS; DISORDERS; PREVALENCE; SERVICES; DISTRESS; Social Work

    Abstract

    Depression tends not to be accurately identified and treated in primary care settings. Women of color are especially likely to use these settings for mental health issues but are less likely to be diagnosed appropriately. A study was conducted within four Florida primary care clinics serving primarily low-income families. Participants included 321 women (Black, 22%, Hispanic, 23.5%, White, 38.6%) who completed a confidential questionnaire while waiting to be seen by clinic staff. Ten percent reported recent major depression, with 26.7% indicating depressive symptoms during the past two years. Depressed women were significantly more likely to report physical violence during the past year. Respondents turned primarily to family, friends, and medical clinics for their depression. They found turning to clinic staff to be helpful and described psychosocial interventions as useful. Members of all ethnic/racial groups reported barriers to seeking help, including perceived separation between mental health and general health and stigma. Implications are discussed in terms of appropriate community education and screening procedures.

    Journal Title

    Social Work in Health Care

    Volume

    29

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-1999

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    15

    Last Page

    34

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000081604700002

    ISSN

    0098-1389

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