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326976
Comorbid Cardiovascular Disease and Major Depressive Disorder among African American Men and Women Ages 35-54


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Aldenise Ewing, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Korede Adegoke, MBBS, MPH, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health , University of South Florida, Tampa, Tampa, FL
Ericka Duncan, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Background:   Previous studies has shown that Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are major public health problems in the United States.  However, limited studies have been conducted with a nationally representative sample and evaluated the impact of comorbid depression and CVD as it relates to the experiences of African-Americans younger than age 55 years.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of comorbid MDD and CVD among African-Americans (35-54) in the United States.

Methods: This study analyzed data from the cross-sectional sample; National Survey of American Life (N=529).  Participants self-identified as African-American. Diagnosis of MDD and dysthymia were according to DSM-IV criteria and reported history of CVD included report of hypertension or “high blood pressure,” stroke, a blood circulation problem or “hardening of the arteries,” or heart trouble or heart attack.

Results: Among young-to-middle aged African-Americans (35-54) with a history of CVD, African-American women suffer from higher rates of comorbid MDD (17.1%) and dysthymia (5.2%) than African-American men (7.1% and 1.1% respectively).  

Conclusions: Rates of comorbid MDD and CVD, and comorbid dysthymia and CVD were reportedly higher among African-American women than men.  Targeted interventions towards African-American women is required to address this disparity.

Learning Areas:

Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Analyze the prevalence of comorbid MDD and CVD among African-Americans (35-54) in the United States.

Keyword(s): Chronic Disease Prevention, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a first year doctoral student researchers focusing on the epidemiology of comorbid depression and cardiovascular disease among African Americans using the National Survey of American Life. Among my scientific interests has been the disparities that persist among co-occurring chronic disease and mental health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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