Qualitative Health Research
Volume 26, Issue 9, 2016, Pages 1289-1302

Perceptions of Depression and Access to Mental Health Care among Latino Immigrants (Article)

Tyson D.M.* , Arriola N.B. , Corvin J.
  • a University of South Florida, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, United States
  • b University of South Florida, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, United States
  • c University of South Florida, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, United States

Abstract

Compared with non-Latino Whites, Latino immigrants have a lower prevalence of depression. However, they are also less likely to seek professional mental health services. Our objective was to compare and contrast perceptions of depression and access to mental health care among four of the largest Latino immigrant subgroups in Florida (Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, and Colombian). We conducted a total of 120 interviews (30 men and women from each subgroup). Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that participants across the four groups were aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and had similar perceptions of depression. However, notable differences by subgroup emerged with regard to perceptions of access to mental health care. We suggest that the variation stems from differences in life experiences and the immigration context. Understanding the variances and nuances of Latino immigrants' cultural construction of depression and immigration experience will enable practitioners to better serve this community. © 2016 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Health behavior culture Depression Noth America illness and disease, immigrants/migrants Latino/Hispanic people Ethnicity interviews, semistructured research, qualitative mental health and illness

Index Keywords

male Emigrants and Immigrants female depression Humans Health Services Accessibility mental health service Mental Health Services Mexico Hispanic Americans health care delivery mental health human adult migrant psychology Hispanic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84976433955&doi=10.1177%2f1049732315588499&partnerID=40&md5=719c42cd1814b12b2c5b57429d79d030
DOI: 10.1177/1049732315588499
ISSN: 10497323
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English