SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed is a multi-media campaign for men with depression, using documentary video, print, and Internet. Campaign targets men with diagnosed or undiagnosed depression, and their significant referents. The project aims to: increase knowledge about depression in men; destigmatize depression; and promote professional diagnosis and treatment. There is a special emphasis on depression in men of color. In Phase I, we interview experts (including our Advisors), men with depression, and referents. We analyze interview content and generate creative plans for a video and companion booklet, and a web module prototype. Advisors review creative plans and prototype, which are revised, then qualitatively and quantitatively tested. Focus groups test validity of content in creative plans and prototype. Testing ensures materials meet the informational, motivational, and supportive needs of men with/at risk for depression, and their significant referents. In Phase II, we will fully produce the video, booklet, and interactive web module based on concepts validated in Phase I. This package is unique in that it examines men's experience of depression with modeling and interactive content. Documentary profiles model seeking professional diagnosis and treatment, web module engages user for education and motivation. The completed documentary video, booklet, and interactive web module will be distributed through counselors, physicians, therapists, clinic, other health professional, and organizations that serve people with depression, as well as Internet health website, and corporate Intranets

The proposed project is a multi-media campaign addressing the issue of men and depression using documentary video, television broadcast and print. The campaign targets men and their significant referents. The project aims to: increase knowledge about depression in men; identify and address barriers to assessment and treatment (such as the stigma surrounding men and depression); and encourage men to seek professional assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The unique issues facing African American, Hispanic/Latino American, and Asian American men will be taken into consideration in the projects production, evaluation, and outreach. In Phase I State of the Art, Inc. determined the campaign messages and materials, and tested feasibility of the materials. These materials include a broadcast, 3 videos addressing depression in men of different age groups, and booklets to accompany all three videos. These materials will not only target men but also their friends and family. In Phase II we will complete the development of the materials, and test them qualitatively and quantitatively. Both qualitative and quantitative research will measure the impact of this multi-media educational approach over and above existing methods of education and show its effects on men's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that affect mental health. Testing will ensure that the materials meet the informational, motivational, and supportive needs of men with undiagnosed depression, and their significant referents. The completed documentary video and booklet will be distributed through counselors, physicians, therapists, clinics, other health professionals, and organizations that serve people with depression, as well as Internet health websites, and corporate Intranets. Special consideration will be placed in finding dissemination points for the video materials that are specific for the age groups represented (i.e. College health centers, senior centers and workplace employee assistance programs).

Thesaurus Terms:
DVD /CD ROM, clinical depression, educational resource design /development, handbook, male, mental health education, videotape /videodisc education evaluation /planning, health behavior, health care service utilization, mental health service, motivation, television clinical research, focus group, human subject, interview