Communication, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health

The purpose of this study was to examine how Hispanic/Latiné individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) perceived changes in their communication, social connectedness, and mental health, with the ultimate goal of establishing initial guidelines for the development of culturally responsive support groups for this population. Fifteen Hispanic/Latiné individuals with PD from within and outside the United States participated in 5 focus groups. Transcripts of the video-recorded groups were analyzed qualitatively using reflexive thematic analysis. We generated 3 primary themes from our data set. Although the vast majority of individuals with PD reported changes in their communication, speech treatment services were not ubiquitous, and linguistic barriers to health care were present within the United States. Bonding among participants through shared experiences living with PD and educating those without PD about the disease were perceived as positive means to increase social connectedness. Spirituality, religiosity, and gratefulness were meaningful resources and strategies to foster mental health. Support groups for Hispanic/Latiné individuals with PD should maximize educational and social opportunities for this population, as well as for their care partners, to address changes in communication, social connectedness, and mental health.