Qualitative Exploration of an Effective Depression Literacy Fotonovela with at Risk Latina Immigrants

• DOI: 10.1007/s10464-015-9729-8
• Publication Date: 2015-05-18T14:14:55Z
• Authors: Maria Y. Hernandez; Kurt C. Organista
• Keywords: Mental health literacy; Health psychology; Health Literacy; Stigma; Depression

While depression is prevalent among immigrant Latinas, mental health literacy low. Culturally tailored narratives can improve and are now increasingly featured in Spanish language fotonovelas (i.e., booklets a comic book format with posed photographs dialogue bubbles). The purpose of this qualitative study to explore why fotonovela proved effective Latina immigrants at risk for quantitative randomized control study. This the companion previously published piece mixed methods study, latter revealing posttest improvements knowledge, self-efficacy identify need treatment, decreased stigma towards care (Hernandez Organista Am J Community Psychol 2013. doi: 10.1007/s10464-013-9587-1 ). Twenty-five Latinas participated structured interviews, current 3 weeks after participating Results suggest improved because participants evidenced high recall storyline characters, which they also found appealing (e.g., liked peer professional support offered depressed main character). Further, identification character was reflected recalling similar circumstances impacting their health. Despite some improvement, related its treatment remained women. Future research improvement tools discussed.