Low-income rural women and depression: factors associated with self-reporting

To examine factors associated with self-reporting depression for low-income rural women experiencing depressive symptoms.

Data were from 219 Rural Families Speak participants with CES-D scores >15. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were utilized.

Just over one half (52.5%) of respondents who were experiencing depressive symptoms self-reported depression, whereas 47.5% of respondents self-reported no depression. Women reporting depression were significantly likelier to report physical health problems, injury/illness, and more frequent physician visits. Women reporting no depression were significantly likelier to have been pregnant in the previous 3 years.

Women reporting depression had more health care system exposure and perhaps depressive symptomotology knowledge. Public health campaigns should educate about depressive symptoms, including postpartum depression, to reduce stigma and increase treatment-seeking.