Prevalence and Prediction of Depression in American Indian Elderly

Abstract

Depression research is sparse with older AmericanIndians, and almost non-existent with Great Lakes American Indians. In our study, 309 Great Lakes American Indian elderly from urban, rural, and reservation settings were interviewed. Two-thirds of the sample were over age 65. Fifty-four percent of the sample completed less than a high school education, and 23 percent completed only a high school education. Depression prevalence and its correlates were examined. The CES-D was used to measure depressive symptomatology, and was found to have good internal consistency in our sample (alpha = 35). Overall, 18.3 percent of the sample scored above the traditional cutoff for depression (16). Both having completed fewer years of formal education and living in an urban area were significant predictors of depression. [Article copier available for a fee from fie Hmvorth Document Delivev Servire: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail addms: getinfo@haworth.com] Kim 1. C~uyto and Elise Hodges are affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Elizabeth E. Chapleski is affiliated with the Institute of Gerontology, and Richard Kaczynski aid Joanne Sobeck are affiliated with the ~eprtment of Community Medicine, all at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Peter A. Lichtenberg is affiliated with the Rehabilitation lnstitute of Michigan, Detroit, MI.

Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms among American Indian older adults: Adverse childhood experiences and social support

“…However, in a national study of 18,078 AI/AN older adults (aged 55 and above), only 13.8% of AI/ANs reported depression (Baker-Demmaray, 2012). In a study of 309 AI/AN elders, approximately 18% had significant levels of depression, which was commensurate with rates among the general population (Curyto et al, 1998). More research is needed to establish accurate prevalence rates.…”

“…Research on risk and protective factors related to depression among AI/AN is scarce; research on AI/AN depression among older adults is virtually non-existent (Baker-Demmaray, 2012;Chapleski et al, 2004;Curyto et al, 1998;Miller-Cribbs et al, 2009;O'Nell, 1996). One study examined with AI/AN elders found that living in urban areas and educational level were significant predictors of depression (Curyto et al, 1998).…”

“…One study examined with AI/AN elders found that living in urban areas and educational level were significant predictors of depression (Curyto et al, 1998). Another study found that childhood physical abuse predicted depressive disorders among adult AI/AN from the south-west and northern plains (Libby, Orton, Novins, Beals, & Manson, 2005).…”

“…Thus, one segment of the AI/AN population, older adults, are especially vulnerable (Miller-Cribbs, Byers, & Moxley, 2009). However, very little is known about factors associated with behavioral health, including depression, for AI/AN older adults (Brave Heart, Chase, Elkins, & Altschul, 2011;Curyto et al, 1998;Miller-Cribbs et al, 2009). Because this segment of the AI/AN population is projected to double in size between 2012 and 2060 (US Census, 2012), there is a critical need for more research to understand their behavioral health needs.…”

“…Because this segment of the AI/AN population is projected to double in size between 2012 and 2060 (US Census, 2012), there is a critical need for more research to understand their behavioral health needs. Furthermore, depression among older AI/AN adults is thought to be a critical mental health issue that is complexly related to other AI/AN health disparities and, thus, is essential to understand (Curyto et al, 1998;Miller-Cribbs et al, 2009). Because older AI/AN populations are traditionally respected and revered within their communities, the juxtaposition of the behavioral health disparities is even more important to disentangle.…”