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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Amelia R. Gavin, MSW, MPP, Poverty Research and Training Center, University of Michigan, 540 E. Liberty Street, Suite 204, Ann Arbor, MI 49104-2210, 734-998-9395, gavina@umich.edu
Epidemiological data document more depressive symptoms and higher rates of major depression and dysthmia in women compared to men (Linzer et al 1996; Kessler et al 1994; Jones-Webb and Snowden 1993; Weissman et al 1991). The few epidemiologic and community-based studies that assess depression prevalence among African American women have been criticized for their methodological weaknesses. Small, non-randomized samples make it difficult to ascertain the prevalence of depression among African American women and cross-sectional data preclude causal inference. Moreover, studies assessing risk factors for depression ignore economic heterogeneity among African American women.
This study examines the prevalence and correlates of depression in a nationally representative sample of 4,019 African American women using the 1988 and 1991 National Maternal Infant Health Survey. Using a model based on epidemiological theories of the social production of disease (Krieger et al 1993); I regressed depression on social economic position controlling for demographic characteristics, health status and behaviors. Preliminary findings indicate that depressive symptoms are significantly associated with being married, low socioeconomic position, less than a college education, welfare receipt, and three or more children in the home. Longitudinal data analysis will assist in determining which risk factors are effect modifiers of depression.
Session attendees should be able to: (1) describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms among African American women; (2) describe risk factors associated with depression among African American women of different socioeconomic status; (3) describe changes in depression among African American women over time; (4) discuss implications for public health social work practice.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.