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01-04-2009 | Original Paper

Needs and Preferences for Receiving Mental Health Information in an African American Focus Group Sample

Authors: Shiraz I. Mishra, Alicia Lucksted, Deborah Gioia, Beth Barnet, Claudia R. Baquet

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to better understand the mental health/illness information and service delivery preferences among African American residents of Baltimore. We conducted four focus groups (n = 42) among African American adults currently unconnected with the mental health system. Participants expressed fear of stigma and perceptions of racism as major barriers to seeking information and/or services and discussed some normalizing strategies to address these barriers. African Americans harbor cultural and traditional beliefs regarding mental illness which could also act as barriers. Findings have implications for imparting acceptable and culturally sensitive mental health education and service delivery programs in community settings.

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Title: Needs and Preferences for Receiving Mental Health Information in an African American Focus Group Sample
Authors: Shiraz I. Mishra
Alicia Lucksted
Deborah Gioia
Beth Barnet
Claudia R. Baquet
Publication date: 01-04-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9157-4

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Needs and Preferences for Receiving Mental Health Information in an African American Focus Group Sample

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