Chronic Disease and Minor Depression: Patient and Family Perceptions

Depression often co-exists with common medical illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and diabetes, with co-occurrence rates across these conditions from 10 – 30%. ‘Minor depression' is common in general health settings and is associated with significant morbidity and disability and increased mortality. Minor depression affects anywhere from 5 -16% of primary care patients. Literature suggest minorities have less access to, and availability of, mental health services, minorities are less likely to receive needed mental health services, minorities in treatment over receive poorer quality care, and minorities are underrepresented in mental health research studies. Health disparities among minorities make translation of strong evidence-based interventions for depression into routine practice even more difficult. The purpose of this study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ‘Elimination of Health Disparities through Translation Research' initiative was twofold: to identify needs Latinos with minor depression and chronic disease may have and illuminate barriers and facilitators to evidence-based intervention adoption. A qualitative design utilizing focus groups with uninsured Latinos and their family members was used. Two focus groups were conducted with Latinos who had minor depression and at least one chronic disease (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Two focus groups were conducted with family members. Participants were identified and recruited through direct contact with partnering clinics, health programs and community based organizations. Qualitative analysis identified perceptions of patients and families' lived experience with minor depression and chronic disease. In addition, results suggested culturally-appropriate interventions for minor depression and chronic disease.