Socio-demographic and Health Behavioral Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Korean Americans

Abstract

This study identifies the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and help seeking behaviors for depressive symptoms among adult Korean Americans (KAs). Using survey data from 230 residents of the New York City, Teaneck, New Jersey, and Philadelphia areas, simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and the covariates. Women were at much lower risk of depressive symptoms than were men, even after adjusting other covariates (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.96). Having no health insurance (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.28-12.61) and having experience in seeking professional help for mental health problems during the last year were significantly associated with depressive symptoms (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.29-6.80). The findings suggest more attention to the risk of depression of KA men and further efforts on understanding the unique contribution of socio-demographic factors and health-related behaviors on depressive symptoms among KAs.