Barriers to Being on Antidepressants

Eligibility

• Ages 18–21 experiencing depressive symptoms, or adults aged 22–60 with a child aged 14–17 experiencing depressive symptoms

• Speaks Mandarin or Spanish

• Participant or their parent must have been born outside the United States

• Must live in the greater Los Angeles area

Purpose

This study seeks to identify barriers that prevent Spanish- and Mandarin-speaking individuals from participating in research studies involving antidepressants and other biomedical treatments for depression. We aim to develop better recruitment strategies to increase representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in clinical trials research.

Involvement

Interested participants will first complete an online screener survey to assess eligibility. Eligible participants will then be contacted for a brief phone or Zoom call to confirm their responses and review the study details. Those who qualify and agree to participate will sign a consent form. Participants will complete online questionnaires before the session, then take part in a one-time focus group (either in-person at UCLA or via Zoom) lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours. After the discussion, they will complete a final set of questionnaires.

Benefits

Although there are no direct health benefits, your participation will help improve how researchers engage Mandarin- and Spanish-speaking communities in mental health research.

Community participants will receive a $50 gift card for participating and up to $25 reimbursement for travel expenses if attending in person.

Contact

Email: uclacandylab@g.ucla.edu

Phone: (424) 259-5701

View Study Flyer (PDF)