Inequities along the Depression Care Cascade in African American Women: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Depression represents a growing health problem and African American women (AAW) disproportionally experience increased risk and broad disparities in health care. This integrative review examines what is known about the equity of depression care provided to AAW. PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science were searched through April 2020 for studies in peer-reviewed journals from 2015 to 2020. Across the studies (n = 7), AAW received inequitable care across a depression care cascade including lower rates of screening, treatment initiation, and guideline-concordant care. Here we explore individual-, relational-, and structural-level factors related to these disparities and implications for research, practice, and education.

Acknowledgment

This article was not sponsored or funded by any commercial interest or organization. Thanks to Victor Perez for providing graphic design consultation on development of infographic.