Prevalence, association of depression and mental health service utilization among Hispanics in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama

Background: In the U.S., 1 in 10 individuals are depressed; Hispanics are significantly more likely than non-Hispanic whites to meet criteria for depression with 11.4% carrying the diagnosis. They are less likely to utilize mental health services. Research is limited concerning the prevalence of depression and mental health needs of Hispanics in the Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana (tri-state area). Objective: To assess the prevalence and association of depression and mental health service utilization among Hispanics in tri-state area. Methods During 2011-2012, Hispanic /Latino Community Health Needs Assessment survey was administered by bilingual interviewers using participants' preferred language. Four hundred and eleven Hispanic/Latino community members and leaders in tri-state area were queried regarding community health priorities, health status, access to care, and quality of health care. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 17. Descriptive, student's t-test and chi-square test were performed. Results: 57% of participated were female. Mean age was 38 years. 38% reported depression as the most important health conditions but 10% were diagnosed. But, 40% reported visiting a mental health professional in the past year. Depression prevalence was 14% in Alabama, 13% in Mississippi, and 5% in Louisiana. Compared to non-depressed adults in this sample, depressed individuals were significantly (p-value <0.05) more likely to have co-morbid medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Conclusions: Higher rates of depression among Hispanics with medical illnesses highlight the need to screen Hispanics for depression. Further research is needed to examine mental health treatment barriers for Hispanics.