Translating Research into Practice: Employing Community-Based Mixed Methods Approaches to Address Chronic Disease and Depression Among Latinos

The co-occurrence of depression and chronic diseases is often under-recognized, under-treated, and under-studied. Among Latinos, complex structural and cultural barriers exist which complicate the translation of chronic disease self-management programs (CDSMP) for this population. To better understand those barriers and deliver a CDSMP designed to best meet local needs, a community-based, mixed methods study was designed. Formative research was conducted through focus groups with Latinos with chronic illness and minor depression (ICD) and family members to obtain insight into perceived needs and interviews with stakeholders to assess barriers and facilitators to the adoption of CDSMPs. Analytic Hierarchy Process was employed to determine core elements of a CDSMP for ICDs, family members, and the promotores who deliver these programs. Findings guided the transcreation of a CDSMP. This study offers a promising model for enhancing the effects of evidence-based interventions and emphasizes the importance of meeting differing needs within the local population.