Major Depressive Disorder and Cardiovascular Disease in African-American Women |
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Authors: | Valire C Copeland Christina E Newhill Lovie J Jackson Foster Betty J Braxter Willa M Doswell Allen N Lewis |
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Institution: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA;2. Center on Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA;3. Center on Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA;4. School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA;5. College of Health Related Professions, State University of New York, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY |
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Abstract: | Major depression is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study used the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) to examine the co-occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and CVD in a nationally representative sample of African American women (n = 2,216). Results from a series of logistic regression models indicated high rates of MDD and CVD in the sample, and the African American women with MDD were 1.59 times more likely to have CVD compared to those without MDD. High rates of MDD/CVD co-morbidity appeared across those living in and not living in poverty. These individuals demonstrated greater functional impairment and were high users of mental health services. Our findings validate that MDD and CVD co-occur and the need for more holistic interventions are warranted. The interface of co-morbid health conditions is critical to developing integrated models of care. Integrated health care systems are central for improving physical and mental health outcomes. These findings facilitate developing targeted assessment procedures and culturally appropriate treatment interventions. Increased knowledge regarding the role of gender, chronic health conditions, and the burden of mental illness in African American Women provides the opportunity to examine other chronic health conditions co-occurring with MDD. |
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Keywords: | African American cardiovascular disease co-morbidity depression women |
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