College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Identification of a Rural Black Community-Based Mental Health Intervention via CBPR

Term of Award

Summer 2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Community Health Behavior and Education (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Committee Chair

Nandi Marshall

Committee Member 1

Andrew Hansen

Committee Member 2

Pamela Wells

Abstract

Poor mental health in the US has increased since 2011 (Mental Health America, 2022). Rural communities face disparities in mental health shortages (Andrilla et al., 2018). African Americans face additional barriers, including a historical underutilization of mental health and high mental health stigma. This is significant given the higher rates of mental distress and discrimination among rural African Americans compared to Whites (James et al., 2017), and a recent increase in suicide among Black Americans (Stone et al., 2023). Illustrating a need for options within rural Black communities that can overcome professional shortages and cultural barriers to improve mental health among a group that historically has high mental health stigma and low utilization of traditional services.

This study aimed to identify appropriate components of community-based mental health intervention(s) for the Black/African American community in Bulloch County based on needs, capacity, and assets. Achieved through a two-phase mixed-methods design, using CBPR principles. Phase one of the study included a community survey, community interviews, and a verification survey. Phase two consisted of interviews with leaders and a modified nominal group.

The study was conducted between Spring 2024 and 2026. The identified components included

Starting with relationship building. Facilitated by a community member who is personable, relatable, and a role model with lived experience. Held at a neutral community location, and offering support groups with coping skills and activities, including storytelling and intergenerational conversations. Discussions on topics such as the influence of social systems on mental health. The study approach also engaged community leaders and members in the process and increased the community's capacity to implement intervention(s).

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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