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A Rural African American Faith Community's Solutions to Depression Disparities
Author(s) -
Bryant Keneshia,
Haynes Tiffany,
Kim Yeary Karen Hyecheon,
GreerWilliams Nancy,
Hartwig Mary
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12079
Subject(s) - layperson , faith , psychological intervention , depression (economics) , gerontology , community health , african american , qualitative research , focus group , psychology , public health , medicine , sociology , psychiatry , nursing , political science , social science , anthropology , philosophy , theology , law , economics , macroeconomics
Objective The aim of this study was to explore how a rural African American faith community would address depression within their congregations and the community as a whole. Design and Sample A qualitative, interpretive descriptive methodology was used. The sample included 24 participants representing pastors, parishioners interested in health, and African American men who had experienced symptoms of depression in a community in the A rkansas D elta. Measures The primary data sources for this qualitative research study were focus groups. Results Participants identified three key players in the rural African American faith community who can combat depression: the Church, the Pastor/Clergy, and the Layperson. The roles of each were identified and recommendations for each to address depression disparities in rural African Americans. Conclusions The recommendations can be used to develop faith‐based interventions for depression targeting the African American faith community.