Let’s Talk about It: Examining Depression in the Black Community

Background and Purpose- Depression is a significant mental health concern and a leading cause of disability in the United States, disproportionately affecting historically marginalized communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities, influencing mental health outcomes for Black individuals. While research suggests that Black Americans reported lower levels of depression than White Americans during the pandemic, structural factors, cultural nuances, and methodological limitations may obscure the true prevalence of depression in this population. This study aims to examine the risk and protective factors associated with self-reported depression among Black individuals in historically disinvested communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, using in-group comparisons to explore within-group heterogeneity.

Methods- This study utilized cross-sectional baseline data from a NIH-funded study investigating barriers to COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Essex County, New Jersey, and St. Clair County, Illinois. The sample included self-identified Black participants (N = 943). The outcome variable was self-reported depression, while independent variables included demographic factors, health conditions, physical impairments, emotional distress, financial loss due to the pandemic, and experiences of abuse. Protective factors, such as self-efficacy and critical consciousness, were also examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between these factors and self-reported depression.

Results- Approximately 72.6% of participants reported experiencing depression since the onset of the pandemic. Key findings include:Increased emotional distress during the pandemic was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (OR = 0.34, p < .001). Physical impairments were also significantly linked to higher odds of depression (OR = 1.54, p < .01). Higher education levels were associated with lower odds of depression (Some college OR = 0.58, p < .01; Bachelor's degree or higher OR = 0.41, p < .001). Age was negatively associated with depression (OR = 0.99, p = .025), indicating that younger individuals were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy and critical consciousness were negatively associated with depression but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions and Implications- Findings underscore the importance of in-group comparisons in mental health research, as Black individuals are often studied in relation to White counterparts, potentially overlooking within-group variations. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions that address both structural risk factors (e.g., financial instability, health disparities) and psychosocial protective factors (e.g., resilience, community support). Future research should utilize longitudinal and experimental designs to further investigate causal pathways and develop targeted interventions. Policy efforts should focus on expanding educational access, addressing barriers to mental health care, and fostering community-based mental health initiatives to support Black individuals in historically disinvested communities.