Correlates of depression in older Latinos

To report the rates of depressive disorders--i.e., major and subthreshold depression--as well as the correlates of depression in a sample of older Latino primary care consumers. The study addresses the gap in the literature concerning depression and older Latinos residing in the U.S.

Data were collected from 150 Latino primary care consumers (50+ years-old) in Los Angeles County. Depression was measured using the depression module of the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire. Demographic, stress-related, health, and social integration data were also collected.

A cross sectional design was employed vis-à-vis face-to-face interviews of respondents at the clinic sites or in their homes. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression modeling were used to describe the sample and to examine the correlates of depression.

Rates of depression indicate that 24.1% of the sample reported symptoms sufficient to meet the criteria for a PHQ depression diagnosis. Only social functioning and income were associated with the presence of a depressive disorder. Interference with social activities with family and friends as a result of physical and emotional problems was associated with a 1.86-fold increase risk of being depressed.

Although most of the cases were classified as subthreshold, prior work has shown that subthreshold depression can be clinically significant and debilitating. Using brief screening instruments such as the PHQ, practitioners can identify cases needing further assessment and treatment.