Poster Presentation
Monday, November 5, 2007
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Monday, November 5, 2007
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Mental health assessment with a rural Hispanic Community in Wyoming
Robin M. DeCastro, RN, BSN, Fay W. Whitney School Of Nursing, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| Learning Objective #1: describe the mental health needs and general health needs of vulnerable individuals in rural Wyoming.
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| Learning Objective #2: identify the reported mental illness characteristics of vulnerable individuals in a rural Wyoming community. |
Health disparities among rural residents, ethnic minorities and the mentally ill have been well documented. There is limited research exploring mental health disparities among ethnic minorities in rural populations (CDC, 2007; Alegria, et al, 2002). As vulnerable populations, ethnic minorities and rural residents may experience limited access and inappropriate health care as a result of language barriers, cultural differences, transportation difficulties, mistrust, and a lack of services and health insurance (CDC, 2007; Alegria, et al, 2002; Adams, 2002). The coexistence of these states is likely to compound the difficulties experienced by rural ethnic minorities especially when mental health care is desired. The purpose of this study is to describe the mental health along with general health needs and reported mental illness characteristics of a sample of individuals, many of whom are Hispanic, in rural Wyoming. A descriptive participatory action quantitative research design utilizing a three section questionnaire with a rating scale will be employed to identify potential community problems, health status including mental health and demographic information of community residents and their families. The questionnaire was developed by a University of Wyoming researcher in conjunction with community representatives. As a community driven project, community representatives will recruit subjects, distribute and collect the questionnaire utilizing two methods; inclusion of the questionnaire in the residents’ monthly water bill and direct contact with the community members. Documentation of completed questionnaires will be maintained at the local sewer and water district office without respondent identification with the goal of receiving questionnaires from every household in the community, n= 137. Data collection will begin April 21, 2007 and will be completed by June 21, 2007.