Running head: DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER IMMIGRANTS

DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER IMMIGRANTS 38

Depression Among Older Immigrant African Women in Metro West Massachusetts

Bi Toh

Doctor of Social work

Walden University

September 6, 2020

A00671691

Prospectus: Depression Among Older Immigrant African Women in Metro West Massachusetts

Problem Statement

The intent in this study is to explore the views of social workers in relation to depression among older immigrant African women currently living in west Massachusetts. Older immigrant African women refers to women who are over 55 years of age and they relocated from any African country after acquiring permanent residency in the United States. Depression among elderly immigrant women stands out as an important phenomenon for study in the context of social work taking into consideration the extent to which the condition affects vulnerable populations. Derr (2017), pointed out immigrants typically face stressors relating to migration experience which may cause or intensify mental health problems. Moreover, Derr (2017) also discussed that immigrants tend to access mental health services at a lower rate as compared to non-immigrants. Subsequently, this situation leaves immigrants at risk of untreated health conditions leading to increased disease burden (Lynch, Berg, Manna, and Schade (2016). As such, this negative health predisposition creates greater need for mental health services among immigrants who seem more susceptible to develop depression. This situation makes it imperative to establish the views of social workers addressing the mental health needs, especially depression, among older immigrant African women in Metro West Massachusetts. In turn, insights gained should play a critical role in the development of comprehensive mental health programs aimed at improving the immigrants health outcomes.

As noted, migration can be challenging, and many immigrant women experience challenges that affect their mental health (Foo et al., 2018). For example, the changes in practices, values, social factors and cultural identification are considered as factors contributing to the potential risk of developing mental health issues (Alegra, lvarez, & DiMarzio, 2017). Similarly, Foo et al. (2018) asserted migration into a new country leads to drastic changes in essential aspects of normal day life. Here, the process of assimilating to new environments and cultures causes considerable levels of acculturative stress, which researchers have linked to the occurrence of psychiatric disorders (Foo et al., 2018). Therefore, examining stressors surrounding the migrant experiences from the social work perspective should offer insights into the issues faced by this vulnerable population, especially for women aged 50 years and above.

Based on the highlighted problem, it is imperative to determine the views of social workers from West Massachusetts who work with older immigrant African women in Metro West Massachusetts affected by depression (ODonnell et al., 2016). Such an undertaking may reveal service modifications such as giving patients with language barriers more time needed to enhance access to quality mental health services (ODonnell et al., 2016). As suggested by researchers,

Failure to determine appropriately the views of social workers on depression within a certain community translates to neglecting social health and welfare (Baldwin-Clark, Ofahengaue Vakalahi, & Anderson, 2016). In response, the intent of this study is to obtain the perspective of social workers regarding depression within the selected migrant population as well as insights into the ways in which professionals in the healthcare sector can help meet emerging needs.

Purpose of the Study

In this study, the views of social workers regarding depression in older immigrant African women in Metro West Massachusetts will be obtained....

…As is the case in other studies we foresee there might be some social workers who will leave the study early or might not be interviewed due to time constraints. The face-to-face interview will last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. To ensure the interviewees will be comfortable during the interview process, this researcher will propose conducting the interviews in the social worker's office during their lunch break or another agreed upon space where all information obtained could be kept confidential.

Limitations, Challenges, and/or Barriers

Recruiting of the social workers will be a huge challenge for this research mainly due to having no prior relationship with prospective participants. Getting them to trust the researcher will be an uphill task as the nature of their work is sensitive and their discomfort sharing patient information. Another challenge is time limitation, as the social workers might be unavailable for the interviews. Another challenge that might occur is some social workers might have an emergency and, as a result, might have to cancel their interview. This will result in attrition and reduce the number of study participants. Face-to-face interviews may not be feasible due to COVID 19. To overcome thi challenge the researcher proposes to make use of internet services like GoToMeeting, skype, Zoom, or any other web-based service. Some social workers may not be familiar with these technologies.

Summary

According to Saeidimehr, Geravandi, Izadmehr, and Mohammadi (2016), reducing the causes of depression is beneficial to society due to a reduced number of people who need mental health services or are living with mental conditions. Results from this investigation can benefit the social workers as they will get insights into strategies, they can use to assist older immigrant African women who are suffering with depression to get mental health services. This study aims to uncover the cultural influences faced…