The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62630

Jennifer Ahern, MPH, Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, and David Vlahov, PhD. Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-822-7297, jahern@nyam.org

Evidence on the relation between individual socioeconomic status and depression is mixed; neighborhood social characteristics may also affect depression. Using data from a random-digit-dial survey of New York City (NYC) residents in 2002, we examined the relations of individual income, neighborhood median income and income inequality with ever and past month depression. Measures of median income and income inequality (Gini coefficient) were calculated from the 2000 census. Of 1355 respondents, mean age was 40.4, 56.2% were female, 35.7% were White, 29.7% were Hispanic, 24.2% were African-American, 6.3% were Asian, and mean household income was $49,628. Among 59 neighborhoods in NYC, the average Gini coefficient and median income were 0.45 and $38,714 respectively. In bivariate analysis, depression was highest among middle income respondents. Neighborhoods with the most inequality had the highest depression, while neighborhoods with both low and high median income had the highest depression. In multilevel logistic models, individual income and neighborhood income inequality were both significant predictors of depression (p<0.01). Respondents living in neighborhoods with the most unequal distribution of wealth and those with middle income levels had the highest levels of depression. An average income person living in a high inequality neighborhood had 1.65 times the odds of ever depression and 1.53 times the odds of past month depression compared with someone of average income in an average inequality neighborhood. The associations between income and depression in NYC are complex and relate to both individual and neighborhood social conditions. Future research should examine these relations in other settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the complex relations between neighborhood and individual social factors and mental health
• Discuss the applicability of these findings to other settings

Keywords: Social Class, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.