Comparing the impact on Latinos of a depression brochure and an entertainment-education depression fotonovela.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to evaluate the impact of a depression fotonovela in increasing knowledge of depression symptoms and treatments and reducing stigma among Latinos.


METHODS
Data were from a randomized controlled trial in which Latinos from adult schools (N=132) were assigned to receive the fotonovela or a depression brochure and were assessed on knowledge and stigma measures before and after reading the material and one month later. Random-effects linear and logistic regression models assessed changes within and between groups.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found between groups in symptom knowledge, social distance, and perceptions of dangerousness. Gains in depression treatment knowledge were significantly greater for the fotonovela than for the depression brochure group.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that a depression fotonovela informed by an entertainment-education approach is a useful tool for improving depression treatment knowledge among Latinos but is limited in improving symptom knowledge and reducing stigma related to social distance and perceptions of dangerousness.
Dr. Cabassa and Mr. Oh are with the School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (e-mail: ljc2139@columbia.edu ). Dr. Humensky is with the Center of Excellence in Cultural Competence, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Dr. Unger is with the Department of Preventive Medicine, Mr. Molina is with the School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Baron is with the School of Pharmacy, all at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Leopoldo J
LJ
Cabassa
Hans
H
Oh
Jennifer L
JL
Humensky
Jennifer B
JB
Unger
Gregory B
GB
Molina
Melvin
M
Baron
D000328:Adult; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010174:Pamphlets; D010781:Photography; D057545:Social Stigma