Depressive Symptoms Among Urban Hispanic Older Adults in Miami: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates

Abstract

This study documents a 35% prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in a population-based sample of mostly Cuban older adults residing in a low-income, urban Miami neighborhood. This rate is comparable to, or higher than, prevalence rates reported by most other population-based samples of U.S. older adults. Logistic regression analyses indicate that perceived financial strain was the only sociodemographic factor associated with greater odds of clinically relevant symptoms when other sociodemographic factors were statistically controlled. Gender, age, and marital status were not related to elevated depressive symptoms. A case study illustrates the impact of financial strain on older adults' mental health. Findings highlight the need for mental health screening and case management services among these older adults, particularly those who experience financial strain.

KEYWORDS:

• depressive symptoms
• older adult
• Hispanic
• financial strain

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Grant No. MH 63709 (J. Szapocznik, PI) and National Institute on Aging Grant No. AG 027527 (J. Szapocznik, PI). We thank Rosa Verdeja for her helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.