Prevalence and correlates of current depressive symptomatology and lifetime diagnosis of depression in Black women.
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.
McKnight-Eily
Lela R
LR
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@cdc.gov
Presley-Cantrell
Letitia
L
Elam-Evans
Laurie D
LD
Chapman
Daniel P
DP
Kaslow
Nadine J
NJ
Perry
Geraldine S
GS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult