title: Community perceptions of mental health needs in an underserved minority neighborhood.
abstract: Accurate information is needed to facilitate health equity in underserved communities. This community-based participatory study asked residents about the meaning of mental health, their perceptions of community mental health needs, barriers to accessing mental health care, and acceptability of mental health services that are integrated in primary health clinics. Forty-five primarily African-American residents from urban communities participated in focus groups. Findings revealed high prevalence of substance abuse, depression, crime, and stigma about mental illness, with multiple access barriers. Participants were receptive to mental health care integrated in primary care, if others did not know they were receiving mental health care.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Louisville, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. kay.roberts@louisville.edu
authors.forename: Kay T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Topp
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Felicia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult