Jennifer B. Unger|Leopoldo J. Cabassa|Gregory B. Molina|Sandra Contreras|Melvin Baron
Evaluation of a Fotonovela to Increase Depression Knowledge and Reduce Stigma Among Hispanic Adults
University of Southern California|Columbia University
fotonovelassmall booklets portray dramatic story using photographs captionsrepresent powerful health education tool lowliteracy ethnic minority audiences study evaluated effectiveness depression fotonovela increasing depression knowledge decreasing stigma increasing selfefficacy recognize depression increasing intentions seek treatment relative text pamphlet hispanic adults attending community adult school n 157 475 female mean age 358 years 84 immigrants 63 less high school education randomly assigned read fotonovela lowliteracy text pamphlet depression completed surveys reading material immediately reading material 1 month later fotonovela text pamphlet produced significant improvements depression knowledge selfefficacy identify depression fotonovela produced significantly larger reductions antidepressant stigma mental health care stigma fotonovela also likely passed family friends study potentially increasing reach throughout community results indicate fotonovelas useful improving health literacy among underserved populations could reduce health disparities