Mothers’ perspectives on enhancing consumer engagement in behavioral health treatment for maternal depression

Abstract

Purpose – Despite growing efforts to treat depression, engaging low-income and minority mothers continues to challenge providers. To address this issue, we conducted focus groups to identify responsive strategies for improving engagement of low-income and racially diverse mothers at high risk for depression.

Methods – Three focus group discussions (one prenatal, two postpartum) with 21 low-income and racially diverse mothers were held to determine their definition of depression, attitudes about depression treatment, and perceived barriers to treatment. Discussions took approximately 60 minutes and were audio-recorded. Detailed notes were taken during the discussions. The notes and audio recordings were analyzed using qualitative methods.

Results – Identification of the source of distress, assessing women's perception of treatment and their related costs and benefits, and addressing cultural and financial barriers to treatment emerged as key themes for improving engagement among participants.

Conclusion – To be responsive to women's depression care needs, treatments should be informed by patient perceptions and needs, while addressing barriers to care.

Citation

Lara-Cinisomo, S., Burke Beckjord, E. and Keyser, D.J. (2010), "Mothers’ perspectives on enhancing consumer engagement in behavioral health treatment for maternal depression", Jacobs Kronenfeld, J. (Ed.) The Impact of Demographics on Health and Health Care: Race, Ethnicity and Other Social Factors (Research in the Sociology of Health Care, Vol. 28), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 249-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0275-4959(2010)0000028014