Masculinity and depression among formerly incarcerated Latino men

Objectives: Depression among Latino men who have served time in prison and jail is a significant problem that has been overlooked by public health research. This presentation examines the social-contextual factors associated with differences in depressive symptoms among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM). We conducted a cross-sectional survey (n=270) and life-history interviews (n=20) with FILM ages 18 to 49. Data analysis methods included: linear regression modeling and thematic analysis. Quantitative results: 26.9% reported symptoms of major depression in the prior 7 days. The strongest factors associated with depressive symptoms among FILM were hostility and anxiety. Low familism, high distance of residence from close family members, low utilization of social/health services, high loneliness and high frequency of crack cocaine drug use in the past 30 days were positively correlated with high depressive symptoms. Qualitative results: 1) it was “imperative” for FILM to maintain a public image of masculinity characterized by self-reliance and denial of physical and mental weaknesses; 2) “street families” or gangs, provided material and informational support consistently, but not emotional support; 3) those FILM who were able to navigate health and social service systems post-incarceration stated the importance of educating themselves on “the system and how it operates” while those with lower utilization often interpreted the convolutions and complications of the systems as something that was created to assure their “abandonment.” Discussion: Depression is a major problem among FILM. Addressing untreated depression among FILM must be a social work and public health priority.