- Le Thanh Minh Nguyen
- Spring 2026
Faculty instructor: Dr. Kyle West
Abstract
Depression is a common and serious public health issue, affecting about 18.3% of adults in the United States. Even though it is widespread, many people are not diagnosed or treated due to stigma, limited awareness, and inconsistent screening in routine care. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated tool used to screen depression and assess symptom severity over the past two weeks. The main problem addressed in this project is the lack of awareness and regular use of standardized depression screening in the community. The purpose of this community education project was to increase awareness of depression and promote the use of the PHQ-9 as an easy and practical screening tool. A literature review was completed using peer-reviewed nursing and mental health articles, as well as national guidelines on depression screening and treatment. The evidence gathered was used to develop educational materials that explain how to interpret PHQ-9 scores and what actions to take based on symptom severity. The literature shows that early screening and identification of depression lead to better outcomes and more timely access to care. Findings also support the use of simple screening tools like the PHQ-9 to guide next steps such as self-care strategies, referral to healthcare providers, and treatment when needed. Overall, this project highlights the importance of community education in improving mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging early recognition and intervention for depression.