MAJOR DEPRESSION IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS

Objective: This study examined demographic, sociocultural, familial ba ckground, and health-related risk factors for major depression in a co mmunity sample of African Americans. Method: Data came from a probabil ity sample of 865 urban African American adults, 20 years of age and o lder, who were given the structured National Institute of Mental Healt h Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results: The findings indicated a 1-y ear prevalence of 3.1% for major depression. While age, residential mo bility, health status, and stressful life events were significantly as sociated with major depression, none of the sociocultural and family b ackground factors were. The strongest predictors of major depression w ere poor or fair health and being 20-29 years of age. In terms of trea tment for depression, persons with major depression were significantly more likely than those without to engage in help seeking. However, on ly 11.1% actually saw a psychiatrist or other mental health profession al, and 7.4% saw no one. Conclusions: Young age and fair to poor physi cal health appear to be more powerful risk factors for major depressio n among African Americans than other demographic, sociocultural, and f amily background variables. Few African Americans with major depressio n actually receive clinical treatment for this illness. The results fu rther suggest the need to increase awareness of major depression among general practitioners and to target outreach to African American comm unities.