Depressive symptoms in rural West Virginia: Labor market and health services correlates

The prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of depressive symptoms in rural west Virginia were assessed. A random-digit-dialed telephone interview was administered to a community-dwelling sample of adults, ages 18 to 64 resid ing in the 40 rural counties of the Appalachian State of west Virginia. Dep ressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies De pression Scale (CES-D). Overall rates of depressive symptoms were substanti ally higher than in the nation as a whole. Gender differences were lower th an expected due to a high rate of depressive symptoms among men. Depressive symptoms were inversely associated with higher socioeconomic position. One -third of those who described themselves in "good mental health" reported d epressive symptoms. About half who reported depressive symptoms had never s een a mental health professional or a physician for mental health problems. Efforts to increase awareness and access to mental health services are nee ded to promote the mental health of rural west Virginian populations.