Mental health status among women of reproductive age from underserved communities in the United States and the associations between depression and physical health. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background In 2017, 46.6 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older self-reported as having mental illness of which 52.0% or 24.2 million are women age 18-49. Perinatal depression and anxiety are linked to adverse outcomes concerning pregnancy, maternal functioning, and healthy child development. Methods and findings Using the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), the objectives of the cross-sectional study are to assess the prevalence of self-reported mental health conditions among female patients of reproductive age and to examine the association between depression and physical health. Physical health conditions of interest included self-rated health, obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes, which all have established associations with potential pregnancy complications and fetal health. The study found 40.8% of patients reported depression; 28.8% reported generalized anxiety; and 15.2% met the criteria for serious psychological distress on the Kessler 6 scale. Furthermore, patients with depression had two to three times higher odds of experiencing co-occurring physical health conditions. Conclusions This study expands the discourse on maternal mental health, throughout the preconception, post-partum, and inter-conception care periods to improve understanding of the inter-correlated physical and mental health issues that could impact pregnancy outcomes and life course trajectory. From 2014 to 2018, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has supported investments of nearly $750 million to improve and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services for prevention, treatment, health

Psychological distress and its association with intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, discretionary foods, and alcohol in women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

“…A recurring finding in cross-sectional studies is that women are most greatly affected physically and psychologically by the COVID-19 pandemic compared with men [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition to having worse mental health [ 11 , 12 ], women across the reproductive age group also face challenges with diet, physical activity [13] , and household food insecurity [14] . Furthermore, changes in behavioral factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown include increased intake of total food consumption, decreased adherence to a healthy diet, and increased snacking [15] .…”

Dental caries and depression in pregnant women: The role of oral health self‐perception as mediator

“…Depressive women in reproductive age had more than three times the odds of reporting smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and of having fair or poor self-rated health (Lin et al, 2020). It has also been demonstrated that depression has a detrimental effect on objective and subjective oral health outcomes (Cademartori et al 2018;Kisely et al 2016).…”

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders among Individuals Enrolled in an Emergency Response Program for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

“…On average as reported during the year 2017, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience at least one mental illness each year. 62 These findings suggest that many with OUD experience mental health problems but remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Behavioral health interventions have shown to increase patient engagement in substance use disorder treatment; 63 therefore, assessment for undiagnosed mental illness following an overdose may result in better treatment initiation rates.…”

“…On average as reported during the year 2017, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience at least one mental illness each year. 62 These findings suggest that many with OUD experience mental health problems but remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.…”