Comparing the Impact on Latinos of a Depression Brochure and an Entertainment-Education Depression Fotonovela

Objective:

The purpose was to evaluate the impact of a depression fotonovela in increasing knowledge of depression symptoms and treatments and reducing stigma among Latinos.

Methods:

Data were from a randomized controlled trial in which Latinos from adult schools (N=132) were assigned to receive the fotonovela or a depression brochure and were assessed on knowledge and stigma measures before and after reading the material and one month later. Random-effects linear and logistic regression models assessed changes within and between groups.

Results:

No significant differences were found between groups in symptom knowledge, social distance, and perceptions of dangerousness. Gains in depression treatment knowledge were significantly greater for the fotonovela than for the depression brochure group.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that a depression fotonovela informed by an entertainment-education approach is a useful tool for improving depression treatment knowledge among Latinos but is limited in improving symptom knowledge and reducing stigma related to social distance and perceptions of dangerousness.