Prevalence of Depression by Race/Ethnicity: Findings From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III

American Journal of Public HealthPublished 24 May 2005Open access

Stephanie A. Riolo, Tuan Anh Nguyen, John F. Greden, Cheryl A. King

DOI10.2105/ajph.2004.047225

Citations600

TL;DR

Across racial/ethnic groups, poverty was a significant risk factor for major depressive disorder, but significant interactions occurred between race/ethnicity, gender, and education in relation to prevalence of dysthymic disorder.

Abstract

Depression prevalence was examined by race/ethnicity in a nationally representative sample. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule was administered to 8449 (response rate=96.1%) participants (aged 15-40 years). Prevalence of major depressive disorder was significantly higher in Whites than in African Americans and Mexican Americans; the opposite pattern was found for dysthymic disorder. Across racial/ethnic groups, poverty was a significant risk factor for major depressive disorder, but significant interactions occurred between race/ethnicity, gender, and education in relation to prevalence of dysthymic disorder.

Keywords

PsychologyMedicine

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