A Rural African American Faith Community's Solutions to Depression Disparities

Objective The aim of this study was to explore how a rural African American faith community would address depression within their congregations and the community as a whole. Design and Sample A qualitative, interpretive descriptive methodology was used. The sample included 24 participants representing pastors, parishioners interested in health, and African American men who had experienced symptoms of depression in a community in the Arkansas Delta. Measures The primary data sources for this qualitative research study were focus groups. Results Participants identified three key players in the rural African American faith community who can combat depression: the Church, the Pastor/Clergy, and the Layperson. The roles of each were identified and recommendations for each to address depression disparities in rural African Americans. Conclusions The recommendations can be used to develop faith-based interventions for depression targeting the African American faith community.