Depression treatment and satisfaction in a multicultural sample of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess rates of depressive symptoms, depression treatment, and satisfaction in a multicultural sample of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
This study was conducted with a cross-sectional community-based survey design.


RESULTS
The sample (n = 221) was predominantly female (60.3%), had type 2 diabetes (75%), and was middle class with a mean (+/-SD) age of 54 +/- 12 years. A total of 53% were white. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) (mean 16.4 +/- 11.3). Using conservative thresholds (CESD score > or =22), 25.3% of participants reported clinically significant depression. Rates of depression did not differ by ethnic group or diabetes type. The majority (76%) of depressed participants reported treatment (52% antidepressants, 63% mental health providers, 19% alternative healers, and 15% herbal remedies). African Americans were less likely to report any depression treatment, to receive antidepressant medications, or receive treatment from a mental health professional compared with whites. Participants with high depressive symptoms reported general satisfaction with depression treatment experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
High rates of depressive symptoms were observed across ethnic groups, yet significant differences in use of depression treatment existed across ethnic groups. Those seeking depression treatment reported satisfaction with a variety of depression treatment modalities. Increased depression screening and treatment may be beneficial for ethnically diverse patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
de Groot
Mary
M
Department of Psychology, Ohio University, 239 Porter Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA. degroot@ohiou.edu
Pinkerman
Brenda
B
Wagner
Julie
J
Hockman
Erin
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044383:Black People; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American
D000928:Antidepressive Agents