Initial outcomes of a culturally adapted behavioral activation for Latinas diagnosed with depression at a community clinic

Behav Modif. 2010 Mar;34(2):120-44. doi: 10.1177/0145445509359682. Epub 2010 Feb 22.

Abstract

Latinos demonstrate high rates of depression, often do not seek treatment, and terminate prematurely for a variety of reasons, including lack of sensitivity to contextual and cultural factors in treatment approaches. For decades researchers have suggested a behavioral approach to Latinos diagnosed with depression because such an approach targets the complex environmental stressors experienced by these populations with a simple, pragmatic approach. Recently, behavioral activation has been culturally and linguistically adapted for Latinos/Latinas diagnosed with depression (BA-Latino or BAL). The current study consists of a pilot evaluation of BAL at a bilingual (Spanish-English) community mental health clinic (N = 10 Latinas). Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of BAL for Latinas in a community setting in terms of treatment adherence, retention, and outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Community Mental Health Services / methods*
  • Culture*
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Multilingualism
  • Patient Compliance
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States