Exploring Black Mothers' Lived Experiences of Depression and the Relationship to Their Child's Asthma: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Geraldine Méndez-González, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Emma Straton, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Taylor Brewer, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Nia Moore, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Shayla Stringfield, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Amari McDuffie, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Rachel H. Margolis, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-5-2025

Journal

Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)

DOI

10.1080/26408066.2025.2568077

Keywords

Childhood asthma; asthma management; behavioral health integration; health equity; maternal depression

Abstract

PURPOSE: Maternal depression represents a critical yet modifiable factor contributing to health inequity in pediatric asthma, particularly among Black families. Maternal mental health can directly affect a child's asthma management and outcomes; however, social work and behavioral health support remain largely absent from pediatric asthma care, and little is known about how mothers manage a child's asthma while also navigating their own mental health challenges. We sought to explore Black mothers' perceptions of depressive symptoms and how these symptoms affect their child's asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 Black mothers of children at a community-based pediatric asthma clinic. Eligible participants screened positive for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 > 4). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which included multiple coding strategies and analytic memoing to develop and refine themes. RESULTS: Mothers described extensive and chronic depressive symptoms, inadequate formal mental health treatment, and reliance on coping strategies and informal support. Mothers articulated the many ways in which their symptoms impaired their ability to manage their child's asthma,including responding to symptoms, medication use, and implementing environmental controls.

APA Citation

Méndez-González, Geraldine; Straton, Emma; Brewer, Taylor; Moore, Nia; Stringfield, Shayla; McDuffie, Amari; and Margolis, Rachel H., "Exploring Black Mothers' Lived Experiences of Depression and the Relationship to Their Child's Asthma: A Qualitative Study" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 8313.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/8313

Department

Pediatrics