Rural Hispanic Perceptions of Mental Health: A Qualitative Study.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction
In 2020, 18.4% of Hispanics experienced mental illness, yet only about a third received treatment compared with nearly half of non-Hispanic Whites. In Montana, where only 11% of the mental health needs are currently met, service utilization is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the Hispanic immigrant population in a rural state on mental health and professional service utilization.Methods
Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews in Spanish. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed for themes.Results
We recruited a sample of 14 participants from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela ranging in age from 33 to 59. We identified five themes: definitions of mental health, maintaining mental health, familismo/socialization, stigma, and acculturation stress.Discussion
Novel findings point to the need for Spanish-language services focused on reducing stigma around mental illness and incorporating the importance of social connections.
SUBMITTER: Moyce S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9081153 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Rural Hispanic Perceptions of Mental Health: A Qualitative Study.
Moyce Sally S Thompson Sophia S Metcalf Madeline M Velazquez Maria M Aghbashian Elizabeth E Sisson Nathaniel N Claudio David D
Journal of transcultural nursing : official journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society 20220125 3
<h4>Introduction</h4>In 2020, 18.4% of Hispanics experienced mental illness, yet only about a third received treatment compared with nearly half of non-Hispanic Whites. In Montana, where only 11% of the mental health needs are currently met, service utilization is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the Hispanic immigrant population in a rural state on mental health and professional service utilization.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, ...[more]
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