Association of Depression, Comorbidities, and Sociodemographic Factors among Home Healthcare Recipients

More than 15 million individuals receive home health care (HHC) for chronic conditions, which allows them to maintain a level of independence and self-sufficiency. Although poor mental health can negatively impact health outcomes, little research has been done on the mental health of these individuals.

Utilizing National Health Interview Survey years 2019-2022, we ran a cross-sectional analysis to determine rates of depression among individuals who indicated that they utilized HHC services, based on their sociodemographic statuses and diagnosis, as well as their rate of depression by condition whether they utilized HHC services.

HHC recipients were significantly more likely to be depressed if they reported being female, age 55-64, low income, low educational attainment, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic, or lived in a rural area. HHC recipients were more likely to be depressed than their non-HHC recipient counterparts.

These results underscore the need for integrated mental health care in home health. Further, the financial burden of HHC, which may have an additional impact on stress, emphasizes the need for expanded accessibility of these services.

General practitioners and home health professionals should inquire about mental health concerns of these care recipients, and treat or refer accordingly.