Rebecca Wells

Objective The literature review reports on programs and interventions that address postpartum depression (PPD) in African American women. African American women are at a higher risk of developing PPD compared to white women. The review will highlight and recommend approaches that may render positive outcomes in the future for this population. Methods A systematic scoping literature review was conducted using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, APA PsycArticles, APA PsychInfo, PubMed, Social Services Abstracts, and Social Work Abstracts. Keywords used in the search included “postpartum depression,” “African American,” and “interventions OR programs OR therapy OR treatment.” Fourteen studies were selected, analyzed, and included in the review. Results Group psychosocial, individual psychosocial, internet-based, and integrated care interventions were included. While many articles noted within group changes in depression symptoms, fewer studies documented between group differences. Studies that investigated subsamples of “high risk” participants or those that used “culturally tailored” approaches showed promise. Conclusion The literature review yielded some examples of programs/interventions that target postpartum depression in African American women; however, results were mixed. More research is needed to confirm the most effective interventions to address postpartum depression in African American women.

Using the 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN), we investigated the impact of medical home-consistent care and child condition on five outcomes for CSHCN (n = 32,299). Models suggested that medical home-consistent care predicted increased odds of preventive services receipt, no unmet health or family support needs, ease of use of community-based services, and shared decision-making. Despite these positive effects, disparities persisted based on insurance, condition complexity, and household income. These findings illustrate the positive impacts of medical home-consistent care on children yet remind health professionals of the unique family circumstances that ultimately impact health and wellbeing.

This chapter provides an overview of the issues faced by rural residents, such as Gladys and her friend Mack, as they age in place, including both the challenges and the positive aspects of rural aging. It also dispels the myth that rural older adults are a homogenous group; in fact, rural areas of the country often reflect the increasing diversity of the United States, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. A more restricted life space, coupled with a higher physical and social dependency, make the rural context particularly salient in older adulthood and cause rural older adults to be at greater risk for the intersecting challenges of poverty, health disparities, and the lack of access to health and social services. The health disadvantages of rural racial/ethnic minorities stem from both their minority status and rural residence, and accumulate over the life span.