A primary care psychoeducational group intervention for patients with depression and physical comorbidity: a qualitative study with a gender perspective

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experiences and emotions of individuals with depression and physical comorbidity within the context of psychoeducational group interventions led by primary care nurses in Catalunya (Spain). Method: A psychoeducational group intervention was conducted in the first semester of 2019 with 13 primary care teams (rural/urban) and 95 participants with depression and physical comorbidity. The qualitative research and phenomenological perspective were based on 13 field diaries and 7 semi-structured interviews carried out with the observer nurses. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Codes were identified by segmenting the text into citations/verbatim accounts and emerging categories/subcategories by regrouping the codes. The results were triangulated among the researchers to identify and compare similarities and differences. Results: Four major themes were found: (a) gender differences; (b) coping strategies and changes observed during the intervention; (c) functions of the group as a therapeutic element; and (d) the nurses' perceptions of the group experience. Gender differences were identified in relation to experiences and emotions. Conclusions: As some patients acquired skills/behaviours during the intervention that helped them initiate changes and the nurses were satisfied with the intervention, it is important to include this information when planning effective interventions for patients with this profile.