Factors associated with lifetime DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and lifetime Suicidal Ideation among Asian women and men

Objectives: Existing population-based studies on MDD and suicidal ideation among Asians are extremely scarce. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of MDD and suicidal ideation and to test whether perceived racial discrimination and family cohesion are associated with MDD and suicidal ideation among nationally representative Asian American women and men in the US.

Methods: Data were derived from the 2002-2003 US National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS; n=2,095; male=997; female=1,097). Participants aged 18 to 75 years were included in the analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with MDD and suicidal ideation.

Findings: Ten percent of women and 8.5% of men reported MDD in the past year. Approximately 11% of women and 7.8% of men reported suicidal ideation. After controlling for age, years of education, birth place, current employment, and alcohol use, higher level of perceived discrimination was consistently associated with both MDD and suicidal ideation among both women and men. Lower family cohesion was associated with both MDD and suicidal ideation among women, but not for men. Higher number of physical illnesses was associated with MDD among both women and men.

Conclusion: Perceived discrimination has a significant role in negative mental health outcomes for both Asian men and women. Strengthening family cohesion, particularly among Asian women, could lead to a significant reduction in the societal and personal burden and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from MDD and suicidal ideation.