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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Margie C. Chavez, EdD, RN, Department of Nursing, University of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, 956-882-5082, marge.chavez@utb.edu and Irma L. Guerra, Psychology, University of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520.

Although many studies address the importance of delivering culturally competent care to diverse ethnic groups, few have focused on the issues surrounding mental health care among the Mexican American population. The Hispanic ethnic group, especially the Mexican Americans, is the fastest growing minority in the U.S. and has a higher rate of depression and other psychiatric symptomatology when compared to other ethnic groups. This is especially noted in Mexican Americans who have been born in the U.S. as compared to their counterparts born in Mexico and living in the U.S. Limited research examines the influence that cultural beliefs and values have on the process of Mexican Americans seeking mental health care, accessing services and their perception of the services received. Additionally, few studies have examined the understanding of mental health providers surrounding the cultural beliefs and values of this ethnic group. For this reason, the first phase of this pilot study examined the qualitative aspects of mental health issues among the Mexican Americans along the southern border of Texas. Eight focus groups (four groups of women aged 40-65 years and four groups of men aged 40-65) with 7 to 10 low SES participants in each were conducted by a trained, bilingual facilitator in the language of their preference. The discussion guide for the focus groups was developed utilizing Leininger's Sunrise Model with emphasis on her identified cultural and social factors. The guide contained open-ended questions that were tape recorded and transcribed. Each participant also completed a demographic form and the Marin Acculturation Scale. The ATLASti software was used for coding. Themes were extrapolated from the transcriptions that identified concerns about lack of resources (economical and provider), knowledge deficit about the causes of and health care for mental health problems, legal problems when seeking care in Mexico, the importance of kinship among Hispanics, and the presumed lack of providers' understanding of their needs. A second phase will consist of telephone interviews with providers to ascertain their comprehension of cultural implications when treating their Mexican American clients.

Learning Objectives:

1.Identify the cultural and social structural dimensions of mental health beliefs and values of the Mexican American population of a South Texas region
• Articulate the need for changes in mental health care policies in South Texas to meet the needs of a vulnerable population.

Keywords: Access and Services, Adult and Child Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation