247587 Analyzing qualitative data using four theoretical perspectives to understand community-defined evidence for improved mental health outcomes in Blacks

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 9:38 AM

V. Diane Woods, DrPH, MSN , Psychology Department/African American Health Institute of San Bernardino County, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
In America, it is well documented that African Americans, as well as other ethnic and racial populations, are unserved, underserved or inappropriately served in the mental health system. Throughout the nation, little evidence documents from the perspective of the people of African descent (i.e. African Americans, Continental Africans, Afro-Latinos, Afro-Caribbean, and Africans any other nationality) their reasons for continual disparate outcomes in mental and behavioral health. Likewise sparse evidence is available that identifies their recommendations for improving mental health outcomes in their population. Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, people of African descent throughout California were engaged in a statewide project to understand from their perspective what was needed to improve outcomes toward mental health prevention and early intervention. Qualitative data was collected from over 500 self-identified people of African descent who participated in focus groups and small group discussions. One major factor contributing to understanding outcomes in qualitative research is the perspective of the data analysts. This paper will present four different approaches in analyzing and interpreting qualitative data of 35 statewide focus groups. The four analytical perspectives included public health, social science, African-Centered Black psychology, and client/client family members. Data analysis processes and outcomes will be discussed, as well as implications for more appropriate and relevant program interventions. Broader study results have implications for documenting community-defined evidence and emerging practices to significantly improve mental and behavioral health outcomes for African Americans.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
To list at least five prevention interventions that specifically identifies community-defined evidence to improve mental and behavioral outcomes in African Americans To discuss at least five culturally appropriate African American programs and components that have promise to significantly address mental health issues in this population

Keywords: African American, Community Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Worked 40 years in community health; DrPH in public health, social research, and health education and prevention; conducts community-based participatory research with African Americans for 10 years; Project Director for several community-based participatory projects including two statewide initiatives; published on the subject; trains undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in community health planning, development and research
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.