¡Yo no Estoy Loc@! Improving Treatment Engagement for Latinos Using an E-E Video
¡Yo no Estoy Loc@! Improving Treatment Engagement for Latinos Using an E-E Video
The underutilization of behavioral health services for mood and anxiety disorders by Latinos is a public health concern warranting intervention development. Perceived stigma associated with the pursuit of behavioral health services disproportionately restricts mental healthcare in Latinos. The current study empirically tests an intervention aimed at improving perceptions of behavioral health services for mood and anxiety disorders, ultimately improving Latinos' mental health through access to treatment. The experimental intervention is based on the Entertainment-Education (E-E) model, a popular media campaign that incorporates health and educational messages in an entertaining, story-telling narrative. The E-E model incorporates characters who have characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are similar to those of the targeted audience to maximize social validity. Using data gathered in focus groups with Latinos a 3-minute E-E video (in Spanish) that aims to reduce stigma towards mental illness and behavioral health services was developed. Sixty adult Latinos pursuing care at a Federally Qualified Health Center, who screen positive for anxiety and/or depression will be invited to participate in the study. Participants will be administered a structured demographic interview and measures that assess stigma and attitudes towards mental health and behavioral health services and then randomized to the E-E video or control (structured discussion about depression and anxiety) condition. Participants will then complete the study measures and be invited to attend a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) group for depression or anxiety. Consumer satisfaction will also be evaluated.
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