Capturing men's perspectives on prevalence, existing resources, and solutions to depression and anxiety using community-based participatory research and focus groups.

OBJECTIVE Men are predisposed to suffer from unaddressed depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to capture the perceptions of men in three urban, racially/ethnically diverse, under-resourced, and impoverished neighborhoods around this health issue. The results were used to design a resident-driven solution to this health disparity. DESIGN Design This study utilized a focus group method within the ideological perspective of community-based participatory research (CBPR). SAMPLE Sample The researchers recruited 50 Black, Hispanic, and White men aged 23-83 years to participate in this study during the summer of 2021. MEASUREMENTS Measurements Data were collected via six homogeneous, Zoom-based focus groups. Five of the focus groups were offered in English and the sixth in Spanish. RESULTS The men identified themes and subthemes pertaining to the perception of widespread depression and anxiety in their neighborhoods, existing typical and atypical community resources, and suggested solutions to this health disparity. These results were translated into a solution involving the training of five male, lay mental health ambassadors. CONCLUSIONS Policies and solutions to issues of mental health disparity must be informed by the communities that they intend to serve. CBPR is a robust vehicle for empowering communities to address the healthcare issues facing them.