Depression in African American Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: Exploration of Symptoms, Coping Strategies and the Potential Benefits of Religiosity

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

10-27-2020

Abstract or Description

Presentation given at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 1 in 365 African Americans. Adults with SCD face many challenges of living with a chronic condition that necessitates lifelong medical management that may predispose them to the risk of depressive symptoms. Comorbid depression is associated with worse increased hospitalization rates and high healthcare utilization. In addition there is a shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural communities to meet the needs of individuals with comorbid depression. Adults with SCD often use religiosity to cope with the physical symptoms. Religiosity may be a non-medical strategy to facilitate coping with depressive symptoms in SCD. This study describes depressive symptoms and explores acceptability of religiosity as a coping strategy among adults with SCD.

Description: Thirty in-depth interviews, along with a demographic questionnaires, were conducted with adults with SCD residing in rural communities. Participants were recruited during a hematology appointment at one of the three Sickle Cell Clinics affiliated with Augusta University Medical Center. Results are currently being analyzed using MAXQDA.

Lessons Learned: Results from the present study will inform providers of culturally-sensitive recommendations to benefit patients experiencing low to moderate levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score of less than 10). Findings will also be useful to community-based organizations and caregivers who serve as a bridge between the patient and the providers.

Recommendations/Implications: The results of this study will be an addition to the literature, informing providers who work with African Americans with SCD of coping strategies to recommend, conjointly with recommending resources for mental health services referrals. Knowledge of other coping strategies for patients in which counseling and medication are not viable options could potentially increase the number of African Americans who are able to manage depressive symptoms.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference

Location

Virtual

Source

https://apha.confex.com/apha/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/476674

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