Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Treatment for Depression and Cardiometabolic Issues
Author Information
Author(s): Dark Tyra, Harris Rachel, Burns Desiree, Chernicky Jacob, Reid-Marks Laura, Rust George
Primary Institution: Florida State University
Hypothesis
What are the racial/ethnic mental health treatment patterns among individuals with cardiometabolic and depressive symptomology co-occurrence?
Conclusion
Simultaneously treating both mental illness and cardiometabolic symptoms is complicated, but there may be untapped synergies in treating both concurrently.
Supporting Evidence
- Fewer than half of persons with depressive symptoms received any mental health treatment.
- Receiving no mental health treatment was the most common designation across all racial/ethnic groups.
- Participants with comorbid cardiometabolic and depressive symptomology have 28% lower odds of receiving combined mental health professional and medication therapy.
Takeaway
This study found that many people with depression and heart problems don't get the help they need, especially among different racial groups.
Methodology
The study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2017 to March 2020 and performed adjusted linear logistic regression analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from provider concerns, implicit biases, or patient preferences affecting treatment types received.
Limitations
The cross-sectional nature of the dataset does not allow for causal inferences, and the study relies on self-reported medical conditions.
Participant Demographics
Participants included adults aged 18 and older, with a diverse representation across racial/ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
CI 0.493–1.041
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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