Associations of depressive symptoms, social engagement and support, and lifestyle behaviors among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions in the United States

TL;DR

This study explores how depressive symptoms, social support, and lifestyle behaviors are linked in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions in the U.S.

Contribution

The study identifies common and unique factors influencing depressive symptoms in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions.

Findings

Hispanic men and those on more medications had higher odds of depressive symptoms.

Social disconnection and healthcare frustrations were strongly linked to depressive symptoms.

Tobacco use and prolonged sitting increased the likelihood of depressive symptoms.

Abstract

Self-management of depressive symptoms is influenced by co-morbidity, social support, and health-related behaviors. Men are less likely to discuss depressive moods and seek healthcare. This study examines factors associated with depressive symptoms among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men ages ≥40 years with ≥1 chronic condition in the U. S.

Data from 1,907 non-Hispanic Black (n = 1,117) and Hispanic (n = 790) males with chronic conditions were analyzed using logistic regression to assess depressive symptoms, identified as a Patient Health Questionnaire-2 score ≥3. One model was fitted for all men, then separate models were fitted for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men, respectively. The models adjusted for sociodemographic, disease characteristics, health status, social engagement and support, and lifestyle behaviors.

In the full model, Hispanic men (OR = 1.39, p = 0.017) and those taking more medications (OR = 1.10, p = 0.010) were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Social disconnection (OR = 1.65, p < 0.001), reliance on others for health management (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001), limited activity due to health (OR = 3.15, p < 0.001), self-care barriers (OR = 1.16, p < 0.001), healthcare frustration (OR = 1.13, p < 0.001), prolonged sitting (OR = 1.01, p = 0.030), and tobacco use (OR = 1.56, p = 0.002) increased likelihood of depressive symptoms. Common and unique factors associated with depressive symptoms were identified in models for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men, respectively.

Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between depressive symptoms, social engagement, and lifestyle behaviors among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with complex disease profiles. Efforts are needed to address depressive symptomatology through self-managing conditions, strengthening supportive networks, and alleviating burdens associated with healthcare interactions.

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