Content area

Abstract

Research shows that, among Hispanics, depression and anxiety disorders are the two most prevalent mental disorders, particularly for Puerto Ricans. The socioecological model approaches mental health conditions from a perspective where multiple levels in society influence health-related behaviors. Based on this approach, this quantitative study looked at how socioeconomic factors - marital status, education, employment, and residential status were related to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in Puerto Ricans. This study also explored whether there were differences between two groups of Puerto Ricans: those living on the island compared to those living in the 50 states. Analysis was conducted using 2014-2016 Mental Health Client Level Data (MH-CLD) data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used on the sample of N=145,362 cases. Results found a statistically significant association between education, marital status, employment, and residential status and the diagnosis of depression and anxiety, with higher odds for Puerto Ricans who were either separated (OR=1.427), unemployed (OR=1.092), and homeless (OR=1.202). Due to the small sample size of applicable cases from Puerto Rico available for analysis, the statistical differences between Puerto Rican populations could not be measured. This study validates the need to support public health initiatives that address homelessness, promote higher education and training, and reduce health disparities among Puerto Ricans.

Details

1010268
Title
Socioeconomic Determinants of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Puerto Ricans Living on the Island and the Mainland
Number of pages
82
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0543
Source
DAI-B 87/2(E), Dissertation Abstracts International
ISBN
9798290926582
Committee member
Dunn, Patrick
University/institution
Walden University
Department
Public Health
University location
United States -- Minnesota
Degree
D.P.H.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
32171575
ProQuest document ID
3236301109
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/socioeconomic-determinants-depression-anxiety/docview/3236301109/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic