Depressive Symptoms in Four Racial and Ethnic Groups

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Abstract
Responding to the need for research on the mental health of minority elders, the present study explored determinants of depressive symptoms using a statewide sample of African Americans, Cubans, non-Cuban Hispanics, and Whites from the Survey of Older Floridians. The investigators focused on direct and interactive effects of demographic variables and stressful life conditions (chronic health conditions, functional disability, and negative life events) on depressive symptoms. A hierarchical regression model showed that lower income, more chronic health conditions, greater disability, and more life events were common risk factors for depressive symptoms across all groups. The impacts of age and education were found to be group specific. Significant interactions were also obtained among predictor variables in each group, identifying risk-reducing and risk-enhancing factors within each group. The findings on race-specific risk factors and within-group variability should be taken into consideration when developing and implementing services for diverse older populations.