Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2009):

Prevalence and correlates of current depressive symptomatology and lifetime diagnosis of depression in Black women.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research on depressive symptoms and their correlates among Black women, which may contribute to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and inappropriate treatment. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged > or =18 years. A total of 10,783 Black women aged 18 to 64 years were interviewed from 38 states, 2 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia (DC). There were 8,412 (78.0%) women who provided complete responses to questions regarding demographic characteristics, psychosocial variables, current depressive symptomatology, and a lifetime diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence limits of current depressive symptomatology and self-reported lifetime diagnosis of depression were derived. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association of each correlate with the depression outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 13.8% of Black women reported current depressive symptoms, and 14.9% reported a lifetime diagnosis of a depressive disorder by a health care provider. Significant correlates of both outcomes included rarely/never receiving social support, being unable to work, having physical health problems for 14 or more days in the past month, and dissatisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a substantial number of Black women suffer from significant symptoms of depression and report that they have been diagnosed with depressive disorders in their lifetime. Health care providers should assess Black women with poor physical health and life dissatisfaction for depressive disorders and not dismiss somatic complaints as solely physically based.

Author information

Author/s: McKnight-Eily, Lela R (LR); Presley-Cantrell, Letitia (L); Elam-Evans, Laurie D (LD); Chapman, Daniel P (DP); Kaslow, Nadine J (NJ); Perry, Geraldine S (GS);

Affiliation: Division of Adult and Community Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 770 Buford Hwy NE MS K-67, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA. LMcKnightEily(-atsign-)cdc.gov

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health (Womens Health Issues), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 Jul-Aug; vol 19 (issue 4) : pp 243-52

Dates: Created 2009/07/10; Completed 2009/09/22;

PMID: 19589473, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 9/22/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Adult African Americans - psychology Depression - ethnology Depressive Disorder - ethnology Employment - psychology Female Health Status

Health Surveys Humans Logistic Models Middle Aged Prevalence Quality of Life Social Support Young Adult

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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