The Effects of a Community-Based, Multicomponent, Depression Prevention Intervention in Mothers At-Risk.

The purpose of this study was to develop a 12-week multicomponent, depression prevention pilot intervention and evaluate its feasibility and preliminary effects on improving levels and correlates of depressive symptoms, including anger, self-esteem perceived stress, social support, and racism. A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design and a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was employed. University faculty, students and community residents collaborated at a low-income housing complex in a low-resourced, urban community. Fifteen low-income, ethnic minority mothers ages 23-46 years completed the intervention and evaluation surveys. Eight mothers participated in a focus group. The intervention included social group-dance, health education, and socialization. t-Tests, sign-tests, and thematic analysis was employed. Mothers identified barriers and facilitators of program engagement. Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced (t(14) = 2.41, p = .030). Self-esteem (t(14) = 2.28, p = .039) and social support levels (M = 4.5, p = .035) were significantly increased. This multicomponent intervention is feasible. Preliminary efficacy evidence was mixed.

Socio-Demographic and Coping Correlates and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms Among Low-Income and Ethnic Minority Mothers At-Risk.

This study identified coping and sociodemographic correlates and predictors of depressive symptoms in mothers at risk for clinical depression. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed. A convenience sample of 88 low-income or ethnic-minority mothers aged 21 to 45 completed a depression scale, demographic data sheet, and responded to an open-ended question. Content analysis, descriptive, and inferential statistics was used for data analysis. Exactly 42.5% of mothers reported high depressive symptoms (>16). Lower income levels (r = .342, p = .01) and head-of-household status (r = .220, p = .04) were significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms. Those who used social support coping had lower depressive symptoms than those who did not (t = 2.50, p = .014). Those using emotion-focused coping only had higher depressive symptoms than those using a mix of coping strategies (t = 2.60, p = .011). Healthcare providers can employ vigilant depression screening and encourage utilization of a mix of problem and emotion-focused coping strategies to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent clinical depression.

Eliciting Willingness and Beliefs towards Participation in Genetic Psychiatric Testing in Black/African American Mothers at Risk for Depression.

Black/African American women are at high risk for depression, yet are underrepresented in psychiatric genetic research for depression prevention and treatment. Little is known about the factors that influence participation in genetic testing for Black/African American women at risk. The purpose of this study was to elicit the beliefs that underlie participation in genetic testing for depression in Black/African American mothers, a subgroup at high risk. Willingness to participate in genetic testing procedures was also determined. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed. Exactly 19 mothers aged 21-42 completed open-ended questionnaires. Directed content and descriptive analyses of the text were conducted based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Salient beliefs included: behavioral advantages-diagnosing/detecting depression (31.6%), finding cure/treatment (21.1%); disadvantages-not finding follow-up treatment/help (21.1%); salient referents, who approves-family members (47.4%), agencies/organizations (26.3%); who disapproves-church associates (21.1%). Control beliefs included: barriers-unpleasant/difficult testing procedures (42.1%), limited knowledge about the purpose of testing (26.3%); facilitator-a convenient location (21.1%). Most mothers (89.5%) indicated willingness to participate in testing. Interventions can target families, address barriers, emphasize future benefits, and use convenient locations and community-based participatory research methods. Policies can address social determinants of participation to increase inclusion of these mothers in psychiatric genetic research.